Also written D5, D or D power chord
D 5th contains D and A. This open-position power chord uses a high A on the first string for a bright sound.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
D 5th is built from the formula 1, 5, with a perfect 5th between D and A. The perfect 5th gives the chord its open, stable sound. Compare it with D major, which adds a major 3rd for a fuller harmony.
D 5th works as the tonic in D major progressions like D–G–A, the I–IV–V. It suits folk, rock, and pop rhythm playing where a bright, open sound is needed.
The open position is the easiest and most resonant, with the root D on the 4th string. The D5/A inversion starting on fret 5 puts the 5th in the bass for a darker, less grounded sound.
D 5th is played in open position as 2 2 5 0: index finger on the G string at fret 2, middle finger on the C string at fret 2 and ring finger on the E string at fret 5. The A string rings open.
Tip — The stretch from the 2nd fret to the 5th fret for the ring finger is the main physical challenge.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (5) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 2 | D (1) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 3 | A (5) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (5) |
D 5th is played at the 2nd fret as 2 2 5 5: index finger on the G string at fret 2, middle finger on the C string at fret 2, ring finger on the E string at fret 5 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 5.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (5) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 2 | D (1) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 3 | A (5) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 4 | D (1) |
D 5th is played at the 5th fret as × × 5 5: index finger on the E string at fret 5 and middle finger on the A string at fret 5. The G and C strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 1 | A (5) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 2 | D (1) |
D 5th is played at the 7th fret as 7 9 × ×: index finger on the G string at fret 7 and middle finger on the C string at fret 9. The E and A strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 1 | D (1) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 2 | A (5) |
| 2 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
D 5th is played at the 9th fret as × 9 10 ×: index finger on the C string at fret 9 and middle finger on the E string at fret 10. The G and A strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 1 | A (5) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 2 | D (1) |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
D 5th is written as D5 or simply D. It is also called a power chord.
D 5th omits the major 3rd, leaving only D and A. D major includes F♯, which gives it a brighter, more complete sound.
No, the open position uses individual fingers. The barre version at the 7th fret is an alternative, but it is not the default shape.