Major · beginner

D over A(D/A)

D major with A in the bass. The fifth in the bass makes a fuller sound while preserving the familiar open D shape.

Notes

DF#A

Intervals

R35

Finger placement

  1. AIndex finger (1): fret 2 of the G string.
  2. BRing finger (3): fret 3 of the B string.
  3. CMiddle finger (2): fret 2 of the high E string.
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132×ADADF#

Sounding notes shown below · low E on the left

× Don’t play○ Open string1–4 Fingers● Root (ring)

Choose a string to hear its note.

String & finger reference
D over A, Open inversion
StringFretFingerNote
6 · low EMuted——
5 · AOpen—A
4 · DOpen—D · root
3 · G21A
2 · B33D · root
1 · high E22F#

Common mistakes

  • Starting the strum on the wrong bass string changes the inversion.
  • A fingertip touches an open string and stops it ringing.

Coaching tips

  • Start strumming at the open A string; let the A and D strings ring.
  • Play the bass note alone first, then strum the complete shape to hear the inversion.

Troubleshooting

The slash chord sounds like the plain chord

Check that the lowest note is A; start your strum on that bass string.

An open string is muted

Arch the fretting fingers and check the open strings one at a time before strumming.

Easier alternatives

  • D

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the D over A chord?

D over A contains D, F#, A — the intervals R, 3, 5 from the root D.

Is D over A a beginner chord?

D over A is rated beginner. D major with A in the bass. The fifth in the bass makes a fuller sound while preserving the familiar open D shape.

D over A: the slash chord sounds like the plain chord — what should I do?

Check that the lowest note is A; start your strum on that bass string.

D over A: an open string is muted — what should I do?

Arch the fretting fingers and check the open strings one at a time before strumming.