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D chord inversions

D/F# and D/A are the first and second inversions of the D major. This means that the bass tone is shifting from D to F sharp or A. Both these chords are also referred to as slash chords.

Try in a chord progression

G - D/F# - Em
D/A - Am - C

Theory of the D/F# and D/A chords

Both chords consist of the notes D, F#, A. The difference is that the order of notes shifts. F# is the bass note in the first inversion and A is the bass note in the second inversion. A comparison between the main D major and the two inversions can be seen below.

Alternative fingerings

D/F# can also be played as 2X023X, which can be preferred for fingerstyle and are easier in many situations. D/A can also be played as X07770, suggestively in combination with E/A (X09990) and with the A-string as a droning string.

Some prefer to use the thumb for the bass string when playing the D with F sharp on the top.

Alternative chord names

D/F# is identical with F#m#5.
D/A is identical with A6sus4.

See also D7 inversions | Dmaj7 inversions