D5 Guitar Chord | How to play the D Power chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the D 5 chord, a key member of the power chord family. This chord, composed of the root note D and the perfect fifth A, is a fundamental building block in many genres of music, particularly rock, punk, and heavy music. The simplicity of the D 5 chord, and other power chords, make them a staple for any budding guitarist.
This chord is constructed using the 1 and 5 intervals. The full names of these music intervals are the Root and the Perfect Fifth respectively. If you're interested in learning more about how chords are built by stacking intervals, check out our tutorial on chord construction.
Power chords like the D 5 chord are a great starting point for those new to guitar, but they also form the backbone of many advanced pieces. If you're looking to understand more about how these chords fit into more complex pieces, see our tutorial on intermediate guitar chords.
Given the fundamental nature of the D 5 chord, it's important to be able to identify it on a fretboard. For this, we recommend using our interactive tool for analyzing chord shapes. This tool is perfect if you have a chord shape and you're unsure of how to name it.
Power chords like the D 5 chord are particularly effective on an electric guitar with a bit of distortion. To learn more about this, check out our tutorial on power chords in rock music.
By the end of this tutorial, you'll be able to confidently play the D 5 chord and understand its role in creating powerful, energetic music. So grab your guitar, and let's get started!
Notes that compose the D 5 chord:
Chord structure of the Powerchord chord:
Guitar Patterns for the D5 chord
Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.
If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Open
Position 2
Movable
Position 3
Movable
Position 4
Movable
Position 5
Movable
Position 6
Open
Position 7
Movable
Position 8
Movable
Position 9
Movable
Position 10
Open
Position 11
Open
You can find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you
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FAQ
What notes make up the D5 power chord?
The D5 power chord is constructed from two notes: the root note, which is D, and its perfect fifth, which is A. These two notes (D and A) are the fundamental building blocks of this chord.
Why is it called a 'power chord' or 'D5'?
The D5 chord is called a 'power chord' because it uniquely consists of only the root and the perfect fifth intervals, omitting the major or minor third. This gives it a strong, direct, and unambiguous sound. The '5' in its name signifies the presence of the perfect fifth interval.
Is the D5 power chord a major or minor chord?
No, the D5 power chord is neither major nor minor. Its construction, using only the root and perfect fifth, means it lacks the third interval, which is what defines a chord as major or minor. This absence is precisely what gives power chords their versatile and 'powerful' sound.
In which music genres is the D5 power chord most commonly used?
The D5 power chord is a fundamental element in rock, punk, and heavy music genres. Its simple, strong structure makes it ideal for driving riffs and powerful rhythmic accompaniment, especially when played on an electric guitar with distortion.
Does the D5 power chord sound different on an electric guitar compared to an acoustic?
Yes, while playable on an acoustic guitar, the D5 power chord is particularly effective and frequently used on electric guitars, especially with added distortion. This combination enhances its inherent power, creating a heavier, more aggressive, and energetic sound characteristic of rock and metal.