The note where your third (ring) finger is on the B string determines the chord that

you are playing. In the case of the typical D major chord, that note is a D (3rd fret of
the B string). As you move this shape up the fretboard, the chord moves up as well. For
example: When you are fretting the following fret on the B string:

● 3rd fret: D chord

● 5th fret: E chord
● 6th fret: F chord
● 8th fret: G chord
● 10th fret: A chord
● 12th fret: B chord
● 13th fret: C chord
● 15th fret: D chord (again – one octave higher than the 3rd fret D shape chord)

It is important to note that you will probably want to mute all the other strings when you play
this shape. In some cases, the open strings will fit with the chord, but typically not.
The note where your first (index) finger is on the G string determines the chord that
you are playing. In the case of the typical A major chord, that note is an A (2nd fret of
the G string). As you move this shape up the fretboard, the chord moves up as well. For
example: When you are fretting the following fret on the G string:

● 4th fret: B chord

● 5th fret: C chord
● 7th fret: D chord
● 9th fret: E chord
● 10th fret: F chord
● 12th fret: G chord
● 14th fret: A chord (again – one octave higher than the 2nd fret A shape chord)