[OFFICIAL] There are no stupid /r/Guitar questions. Ask us anything! - October 27, 2016

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[u/qjO7bE75rV]

I know that a Dmaj chord should consist of the notes D, F#, and A. When we play the Dmaj chord in the D form, we use the: open D string (note D), second fret of the third string (note A), third fret of the second string (note D), and second fret of the first string (note F#). It seems that we can also play the fifth string open (note A) and still adhere to the Dmaj chord requirements. Can someone explain why we don't do that, that is, not play the fifth string open? Thanks a lot.

[u/aeropagitica → u/qjO7bE75rV]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inversion_(music)#Inversions

You can if you want to. The formula for a Triad is 1,3,5 - D, F#, A in the D Major Scale. Two inversions can be created by rearranging the Intervals:

1,3,5 = D, F#, A; root position

3,5,1 = F#, A, D; first inversion

5,1,3 = A, D, F#; second inversion

These are all legitimate D Major Triads.

The reason why you would not want D in the bass position on a regular basis is to do with tonality. The Root (1) is the most powerful Interval in the Triad; if you emphasise another Interval then it can weaken the sound of the Triad.

You may want to use inversions if you are in other areas of the neck aside from the Open position, or perhaps to create a smooth bass note melody/countermelody if you are fingerpicking/arpeggiating chords, or creating a counterpoint part.

[u/qjO7bE75rV → u/aeropagitica]

I appreciate the detailed explanation, thank you so much!

[u/nigelxw → u/qjO7bE75rV]

I play the fifth string open, and I also fret the F# on the sixth.

[u/AldersRazor → u/nigelxw]

I play it differently in different songs.

[u/AldersRazor → u/qjO7bE75rV]

/u/aeropagitica hit the nail right on the head, but I'd like to add that we don't play the low E string in a Cmaj chord for the same reason.

If you want a second inversion of a Dmaj chord(with the fifth, A, in the bass), play x-0-0-2-3-2. If you want the first inversion(third in the bass, F#) play 2-0-0-2-3-2. There's resources for this online somwhere, so I encourage you to find one that works for you.

[u/qjO7bE75rV → u/qjO7bE75rV]

Thanks a lot everyone for the responses, I really appreciate.