D5 6-string bass chord

How to play D5 on 6-string bass

The most common way, the first shape above: your index finger on the G string at the 2nd fret and your middle finger on the C string at the 2nd fret. Let the D string ring open. Don’t play the B, E and A strings.

From the B string x x x 0 2 2 (x: not played, 0: open)

What notes are in D5?

D5, D power chord, is D and A: the root (D) and the perfect fifth (A). Its formula is 1 5.

Is D5 major or minor?

Neither. D5 is D and A, with no third, which is why it works under major and minor songs alike and stays clear with distortion.

Can I play D5 instead of D or Dm?

In rock, yes: power chords stand in for both.