All 4 ways to play Dmaj7 on guitar
-
xx0222 open position -
x54222 at the 2nd fret -
x57675 at the 5th fret -
xxx779 at the 7th 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 Dmaj7 on guitar
Main shape: xx0222 (open position).
- Lay your index finger (1) flat across the strings from the G (3rd) to the high E (1st) string at the 2nd fret (a barre).
- 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).
Dmaj7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| D | 1 | root |
| F♯ | 3 | major 3rd |
| A | 5 | perfect 5th |
| C♯ | 7 | major 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: Dmaj7/F♯ (1st inversion), Dmaj7/A (2nd inversion) and Dmaj7/C♯ (3rd inversion).
Dmaj7, DM7 and DΔ7 are three ways to write the same major 7th chord. Don't confuse it with Dm7 (small "m": minor 7th) or D7 (dominant 7th).
Easier ways to play Dmaj7
- Put a capo on the 2nd fret and play the open Cmaj7 shape: it sounds as Dmaj7.
- Play D instead: it keeps D, F♯ and A and leaves out C♯.
- F♯m uses F♯, A and C♯, all notes of Dmaj7; playing it leaves out D.
Dmaj7 on piano and ukulele
-
Dmaj7 on piano D – F♯ – A – C♯ -
Dmaj7 on ukulele 2224
Which keys use Dmaj7?
Dmaj7 is one of the basic chords of 4 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| D major | Dmaj7 | Imaj7 | tonic |
| B minor | Dmaj7 | IIImaj7 | tonic |
| A major | Dmaj7 | IVmaj7 | predominant |
| F♯ minor | Dmaj7 | VImaj7 | tonic or predominant |
Progressions with Dmaj7
- ii–V–I in D major: Em7 – A7 – Dmaj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.