D Major

The key of D has 2 sharps (F sharp and C sharp). An interesting way to remember this is that this is the opposite of the key of D flat Major. D flat Major has 5 flats and they are the tones that are natural in D.

So, the key of D has 5 naturals - G, D, A, E, B, so the key of D flat has those 5 tones as flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb). The sharps and flats for two keys related by letter name, always equal 7. 2 sharps plus 5 flats = 7. This is consistent for all keys.

As in the key of G Major, there's B minor again. B minor is in the key of D, but in location vi.

For this key, the fingering for B minor includes a bar (using the index to press more than one fret). We don't have to bar. Also, when you bar this chord, we only have to apply pressure on the fingertip and the spot on the index knuckle where the first string falls. It may look like a bar chord, yet doesn't have to be.

Another word on barring: bar only if necessary and use your bone edge (not the soft part of your inside or palm side finger).

For a chord like Bm, use your index to mute the low 6 string.

• We first get all of the chords in our hands. We take our time; make the connections.
• We then play the chord scale ascending and descending. We play chords as we do scales [alphabetically]. We can use any beat count or motor hand technique.
• Next, we play progressions and/or songs that are in the key. We also keep in mind that the voicings shown for the key are but one way to play any particular type of chord. See the CAGED cluster for more options. Different styles favor certain voicings, and in a way are defined by the types that are used.
• As always, we write progressions. This process of arranging chords in our own order, and/or common sequences, is the genesis for writing our own songs. Start this process from the beginning.