All 4 ways to play D7 on guitar
-
xx0212 open position -
x5453x at the 3rd fret -
x57575 at the 5th fret -
10-12-10-11-10-10 at the 10th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play D7 on guitar
Main shape: xx0212 (open position).
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Put your index finger (1) on the 1st fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 2nd fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Let the D (4th) string ring open (marked O).
- Don't play the low E (6th) or A (5th) strings (marked X).
- Strum from the D (4th) string down (4 strings).
D7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| D | 1 | root |
| F♯ | 3 | major 3rd |
| A | 5 | perfect 5th |
| C | ♭7 | minor 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: D7/F♯ (1st inversion), D7/A (2nd inversion) and D7/C (3rd inversion).
D7 on piano and ukulele
-
D7 on piano D – F♯ – A – C -
D7 on ukulele 2223
Which keys use D7?
D7 is one of the basic chords of 2 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| G major | D7 | V7 | dominant |
| E minor | D7 | VII7 | dominant |
| G minor | D7 | V7 | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with D7
- ii–V–I in G major: Am7 – D7 – Gmaj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.
- 12-bar blues in G major: G7 – G7 – G7 – G7 – C7 – C7 – G7 – G7 – D7 – C7 – G7 – D7 Twelve bars of I, IV and V with dominant 7th chords: one of the most prominent progressions in popular music.
- iiø–V–i in G minor: Am7♭5 – D7 – Gm7 The minor ii–V–i of jazz.