El Manisero in D

El Manisero in D

El Manisero in D: Moisés Simons's son cubano. Mixolydian and Major Pentatonic scales bring out the groove and energy of these changes. Chords: D6 – G – A7 – DMaj7 – Em7 – F#m7 – A.

El Manisero in D

D major is one of guitar's most resonant keys. The open D string acts as a droning root, and the open A string provides the fifth. This gives D-based strumming a wide, ringing quality that flatpicks and fingerpicks love. D is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open D and A strings provide a powerful bass foundation, and the open high E is the 2nd scale degree adding brightness. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to A (ascending whole step), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to E (ascending whole step), E to F# (ascending whole step), F# to A (ascending minor third). The mix of stepwise and leap motion balances smoothness with harmonic drive. When the progression loops, the bass returns from A to D by perfect fourth.

Scales for Improvisation

D major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, D Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.