You can simplify conventional chords by using open tunings. Open tunings are relevant for steel guitars and slide guitars, which allows for one-finger chords to be played with better sound. An example of this is how the 12-bar blues requires only three chords which can all be played by using one finger to fret six strings simultaneously.

You can play 3-5 string guitar chords more easily by using regular tunings so the intervals are equal for a pair of consecutive strings. Examples of regular tunings are: major-thirds, all-fourths, and all-fifths. These tunings allow chord patterns to move diagonally down the fret making it easier for beginners to study chords while also simplifying an advanced player's improvised progressions.

That being said however, some 6-string chords become more challenging as regular tunings in particular keys, such as C, G, and D. One note to mention is that guitarists can double notes in any chord to increases its audibility and volume. Doubling a note or changing the order of the notes will change the timbre of chords, or you can make a unique chord by playing the same note on different strings simultaneously.

As you study music theory for blues music, you will quickly come across the 12-bar blues progression which contains a set chord-progressions stretched over 12 bars of music. The three standard chords for a 12-bar blues progression are the 1st, 4th, and 5th chord. This arrangement is one foundation of blues music and works as a common-knowledge starting point to bring a group of musicians together and into the same key. Understanding how chords and 7th chords function will make it easy and seamless for you to work with other musicians since you will be able to recognize certain patterns and chord formulas.

This first method is ideal for beginners with minimal dexterity because this chord just requires three fingers and allows you to move them around the fret. This version of the D guitar chord is also great because it sounds good, giving you a nice reward just for learning the proper fingering.

1. Use your 3rd finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd string (G).
2. Then, place your 4th finger on the 8th fret of the 2nd string (B).
3. Finally, use your 1st finger on the 6th fret of the 1st string (high E).

Method #2 for playing the D guitar chord sounds strong and clear with a top-end sparkle. This is exactly the same shape as a D chord, it's just taking place on the 3rd fret.

1. Using your 1st finger, place it on the 3rd fret of the 3rd string (G).
2. Then, place your 2nd finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string (high E).
3. Last, place your 3rd finger on the 4th fret of the 2nd string (B). 

This version is one of the easiest ways to play a D guitar chord because it uses only two fingers with only three strings to pluck. The sound is deep, tense, and rounded.

1. Start by placing your 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 5th string (A).
2. Then, place your 2nd finger on the 1st fret of the 4th string (D).
3. The G string should be free to ring out

The last method we recommend trying is more advanced but great for players who felt the previous methods were too easy. This version gives you an intro to stepping-stone chords and barre chords simultaneously. You will also push your dexterity with this method--it's good to challenge yourself and set aspirations.

1. Put your 2nd finger on the 8th fret of the 4th string (D).
2. Then place your 3rd finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd string (G).
3. Next, place your 4th finger on the 8th fret of the 2nd string (B).
4. Place your 1st finger on the 6th fret of the 1st string (high E).

Learning these four easy methods of the D guitar chord will quickly boost your skills and help you gradually develop technique with a deep understanding of how the blues guitar works. Mastering small and easy lessons helps you progress faster as you learn more advanced aspects of the blues guitar.