How to play the D major over B chord on guitar

The D chord, pronounced "D major over B," is a unique guitar chord that combines the notes of D major and B major triads. This polychordal voicing adds a shimmering, ethereal quality to the standard D chord. The D/B chord is often used in folk, indie, and alternative music to create an interesting harmonic texture, making it a favorite among songwriters and guitarists alike.

The most popular way to play the D major over B chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 7th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a D major over B chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 7th fret.
2. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 1st (high E) string.

Strum all six strings together to play the D major over B chord. Make sure to apply enough pressure with your index finger to properly fret all the strings.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the D major over B chord, try playing a D major chord without the barre, and just focus on the top four strings. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st (E) string, and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string.

The D major over B barre chord is a great alternative to the standard D/B chord, as it allows for easier transitions and a fuller sound.

Here's how to play a D major over B barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 2nd fret, covering all six strings (barre).
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

The D major over B chord, also known as Dmaj7/B or Bm7(♯11), adds a dreamy and slightly unresolved feel to chord progressions. It often functions as a transitional chord, connecting different sections of a song or shifting between key centers. Here are some common chord progressions featuring this chord:

• vi - Dmaj7/B - IV - V (Bm - Dmaj7/B - G - A)
• ii - V - Dmaj7/B - iii (Em - A - Dmaj7/B - F♯m)
• I - V - vi - Dmaj7/B (D - A - Bm - Dmaj7/B)
• iii - Dmaj7/B - vi - IV (F♯m - Dmaj7/B - Bm - G)
• IV - V - Dmaj7/B - vi (G - A - Dmaj7/B - Bm). Used in "Crash Into Me" by Dave Matthews Band.

To master the D major over B guitar chord, try practicing arpeggios. Play each note of the chord individually in ascending and descending order, starting with the lowest note (B) and moving up to the highest (A). Focus on clarity and precision as you pluck each string.

Another effective drill is to strum the chord and let it ring out, listening closely to the harmonics. Then, mute the strings with your fretting hand and strum again, ensuring that all notes are properly deadened. This exercise helps develop muscle memory and clean chord transitions.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the D major over B chord.

1. Hey Jude by The Beatles (D, G, A7, Bm, D/B)
2. Let It Be by The Beatles (D, G, D/B, Em, A7)
3. Free Fallin' by Tom Petty (D, Asus4, Bm, G, D/B)
4. Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan (G, D, Am7, D/B)
5. The Joker by Steve Miller Band (F, C, G, D/B)
6. Blackbird by The Beatles (G, A7, D/B, Em)
7. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (G, D/B, C, Am)
8. Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett (D, G, A7, D/B)
9. Peaceful Easy Feeling by Eagles (E, D/B, A, E7)
10. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em7, G, D, A7sus4, D/B)