The D6 guitar chord (D major 6) is a smooth and bright-sounding chord that adds a jazzy, warm feel to your playing. It is commonly used in jazz, pop, and even folk music to create a rich, open sound. This guide will show you how to play the D6 chord, its variations, and tips to practice effectively.
1. What is a D6 Guitar Chord?
The D6 chord is a major chord with an added sixth note. It consists of four notes: the root (D), the major third (F#), the perfect fifth (A), and the major sixth (B). The inclusion of the sixth adds a sense of resolution and brightness to the chord.
D6 Chord Formula:
- Root (D)
- Major third (F#)
- Perfect fifth (A)
- Major sixth (B)
This chord provides a light, airy sound compared to the standard D major chord.
2. How to Play the D6 Guitar Chord
Here are two common voicings for the D6 chord:
Open Position D6:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string (1st string).
- Leave the D string (4th string) and B string (2nd string) open.
- Strum from the D string down to the high E string (strum four strings).
This is the most common and easiest version of the D6 chord.
D6 Barre Chord (5th Fret):
- Barre your index finger across the 5th fret of the A string (5th string) to the high E string (1st string).
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Strum from the A string down (strum five strings).
This version provides a fuller sound compared to the open D6 chord.
Strumming Tips:
- In the open position, avoid strumming the low E and A strings for a cleaner sound.
- Ensure each note rings out clearly, particularly when playing the barre chord.
3. Video Tutorial
For a visual demonstration, check out this Video Tutorial on the D6 Chord. This will walk you through finger placement and proper strumming technique.
4. Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the D6 Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Strumming extra strings: Be sure to avoid strumming the low E and A strings in the open position to keep the chord clean.
- Muted notes: Check that all strings are ringing out clearly, especially the open B and high E strings.
- Incorrect finger placement: Ensure your fingers are pressing down on the right frets without muting adjacent strings.
Tips for Playing the D6 Chord:
- Practice clean transitions: Work on moving between D6 and other chords, like Dmaj or G, to improve fluidity.
- Apply firm pressure in barre chords: If using the barre chord version, make sure to apply enough pressure to avoid muted or buzzing strings.
- Check string clarity: Pluck each string individually to ensure that every note is ringing out clearly.
5. D6 Chord Variations
Here are a few variations of the D6 chord that you can try:
- D6 (Extended Barre Chord):
- Move the barre shape to other positions up the neck to find other voicings of the D6 chord.
- D6 (Root on 6th String):
- Use a barre chord starting from the 10th fret of the low E string for a higher-pitched D6.
6. Chord Progressions and Songs Featuring the D6 Guitar Chord
Common Chord Progressions:
- D6 – G – A7: A simple progression with a smooth flow between chords, often used in folk and pop songs.
- D6 – Bm7 – Gmaj7 – A: A jazzy progression where D6 adds a soft, inviting touch.
- D6 – Em – A7: A common sequence in jazz and blues where D6 brings a bright tone.
Songs Featuring the D6 Chord:
- “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles: Features D6 in its iconic progression.
- “More Than Words” by Extreme: Includes D6 as part of the acoustic guitar arrangement.
- “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton: Utilizes D6 for a warm, tender sound.
7. Tips for Practicing the D6 Guitar Chord
- Practice chord transitions: Work on moving between D6 and related chords like Dmaj7, G, or A7 to improve your ability to switch chords smoothly.
- Use different strumming patterns: Try various strumming patterns and dynamics to explore the full range of the D6 chord.
- Experiment with fingerpicking: D6 sounds beautiful when fingerpicked, especially in acoustic settings.
8. Related Chords to D6 Guitar Chord
Here are some related chords that pair well with D6:
- Dmaj7: A major seventh chord that complements the D6 chord in jazz and ballad progressions.
- A7: A dominant seventh chord often used with D6 in folk and blues progressions.
- Gmaj7: Another major seventh chord that works well with D6, especially in smooth jazz and soft rock.
The D6 guitar chord adds a soft, warm sound to any progression, making it perfect for jazz, folk, pop, and acoustic music. With its unique, open sound, mastering the D6 chord will give you a new tool to enhance your playing. Enjoy experimenting with this beautiful chord!