Easy 10-Minute Guitar Workout – How to Play D and G

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Ayla is back for the fourth installment of her beginner guitar chord workout series. In this lesson, we’ll be practicing changing between D major and G major. You should already be somewhat familiar with these chords since they were both used in earlier practice-alongs. However, changing between these two can be particularly challenging.

If you’d like to work on some different chord changes, you can find parts 1-3 of this series here: 

Part 1 – How to Play G and Em
Part 2 – How to Play Em and C
Part 3 – How to Play C and D

No changes to the format, so let’s jump right in!

1. Strum an D major chord and hold for 4 beats
2. Pick each individual string of the D major chord on the beat
3. Strum an D major chord and hold for 4 beats, then release pressure for 4 beats
4. Strum an D major chord and hold for 4 beats, then take hand off and point at the screen
5. Take a short break and stretch out your fingers
6. Strum a G major chord and hold for 4 beats
7. Pick each individual string of the G major chord on the beat
8. Strum a G major chord and hold for 4 beats, then release pressure for 4 beats
9. Strum a G major chord and hold for 4 beats, then take hand off and point at the screen
10. Take another break and stretch out your fingers
11. Play D major for 2 bars (8 beats) followed by G major for 2 bars (8 beats)
12. Play D major for 1 bar (4 beats) followed by G major for 1 bar (4 beats)
13. Play D major for 2 beats followed by G major for 2 beats

The more you push yourself, the faster you’ll see results. Remember, a little discomfort is normal, but be sure to stop if the pain gets unbearable. These chord changes are tough, so it might take you a few days (or weeks) to get them down. So don’t be discouraged if you can’t get them right away. You got this!

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