D Augmented Triads on Guitar: Every Inversion on Every String Set

A D augmented triad is D, F♯ and A♯ (1 3 ♯5). Its three arrangements are each shown on four groups of three strings below, twelve shapes in all; because the notes are evenly spaced, the same shape repeats every four frets.

Keys

Triads — D+

Root position

3C shape
6A shape
8G shape
11E shape

The notes of D+

D augmented is two major thirds stacked, so the outer notes are an augmented fifth (eight frets) apart. Root position puts D at the bottom (D, F♯ and A♯); first inversion puts F♯ at the bottom (F♯, A♯ and D); second inversion puts A♯ at the bottom (A♯, D and F♯).

D+ on every string set

On the low E, A and D strings: root position at frets 8–10, first inversion at frets 0–2 and second inversion at frets 4–6.

D+ triad, root position, on the low E, A and D strings: D (root) on the low E string, fret 10; F sharp on the A string, fret 9; A sharp on the D string, fret 8.
Root position
D+ triad, first inversion, on the low E, A and D strings: F sharp on the low E string, fret 2; A sharp on the A string, fret 1; D (root) on the D string, fret 0.
First inversion
D+ triad, second inversion, on the low E, A and D strings: A sharp on the low E string, fret 6; D (root) on the A string, fret 5; F sharp on the D string, fret 4.
Second inversion

On the A, D and G strings: root position at frets 3–5, first inversion at frets 7–9 and second inversion at frets 0–13.

D+ triad, root position, on the A, D and G strings: D (root) on the A string, fret 5; F sharp on the D string, fret 4; A sharp on the G string, fret 3.
Root position
D+ triad, first inversion, on the A, D and G strings: F sharp on the A string, fret 9; A sharp on the D string, fret 8; D (root) on the G string, fret 7.
First inversion
D+ triad, second inversion, on the A, D and G strings: A sharp on the A string, fret 13; D (root) on the D string, fret 0; F sharp on the G string, fret 11.
Second inversion

On the D, G and B strings: root position at frets 0–11, first inversion at frets 3–4 and second inversion at frets 7–8.

D+ triad, root position, on the D, G and B strings: D (root) on the D string, fret 0; F sharp on the G string, fret 11; A sharp on the B string, fret 11.
Root position
D+ triad, first inversion, on the D, G and B strings: F sharp on the D string, fret 4; A sharp on the G string, fret 3; D (root) on the B string, fret 3.
First inversion
D+ triad, second inversion, on the D, G and B strings: A sharp on the D string, fret 8; D (root) on the G string, fret 7; F sharp on the B string, fret 7.
Second inversion

On the G, B and high e strings: root position at frets 6–7, first inversion at frets 10–11 and second inversion at frets 2–3.

D+ triad, root position, on the G, B and high e strings: D (root) on the G string, fret 7; F sharp on the B string, fret 7; A sharp on the high e string, fret 6.
Root position
D+ triad, first inversion, on the G, B and high e strings: F sharp on the G string, fret 11; A sharp on the B string, fret 11; D (root) on the high e string, fret 10.
First inversion
D+ triad, second inversion, on the G, B and high e strings: A sharp on the G string, fret 3; D (root) on the B string, fret 3; F sharp on the high e string, fret 2.
Second inversion

Where the inversions sit in the CAGED shapes

The practice pad above shows D+'s triads inside each CAGED shape. Use the R, 2, 3 and V switches to see each arrangement:

  • Root position: C shape (fret 3), A shape (fret 6), G shape (fret 8) and E shape (fret 11).
  • First inversion: C shape (fret 3), G shape (fret 7) and E shape (fret 10).
  • Second inversion: C shape (fret 2), A shape (fret 7) and E shape (fret 11).

Where D+ appears

D+ belongs to 1 key: III+ in B harmonic minor.

It doesn't occur in any major or natural minor key; only the harmonic minor's raised seventh creates it.

None of them is one of the open-string guitar keys (C, G, D, A, E and their relative minors), so D+ is more often met in piano-led songs, horn arrangements and with a capo.

Open strings and capo options for D+

One open string is part of D+: the D string (root). Because the root is among them, you can let it drone under any of the shapes.

The D+ symmetry

Augmented triads are built from equal major thirds, so they divide the octave into three: D+, G♭+ and B♭+ contain the same three pitches. That means there are only four different augmented triads, and every shape here moves up four frets to give the next one.

D+ is a major triad with its fifth raised, so it's often a passing chord between D and the chord a fourth up.

D+ triad FAQs

What notes are in a D augmented triad?

D, F♯ and A♯. The formula is 1 3 ♯5.

What is the first inversion of D+?

F♯, A♯ and D, with F♯ in the bass. On the G, B and high e strings it sits at fret 11, fret 11 and fret 10.

How many D+ triad shapes are there?

Twelve to learn: root position and two inversions on each of the four three-string sets. They repeat twelve frets higher.

Learn more

How to use guitar triads explains inversions and how to use them in rhythm parts and solos, and triads on all string sets goes through each set in turn. The triad library has every chord.