D on piano: root position and inversions
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Root position D – F♯ – A -
1st inversion F♯ – A – D -
2nd inversion A – D – F♯
How to play D on piano
- D is the white key in the middle of a group of two black keys. That is the root.
- Add F♯ (major 3rd above) and A (perfect 5th above): press D, F♯ and A together.
- Right hand: thumb (1) on D, middle finger (3) on F♯, little finger (5) on A. Left hand: little finger (5), middle finger (3), thumb (1).
- For a smoother change between chords, try an inversion (the same notes with a different one at the bottom), shown above.
Finger numbers: 1 thumb to 5 little finger. Fingering varies with hand size; these are common defaults.
D notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| D | 1 | root |
| F♯ | 3 | major 3rd |
| A | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: D/F♯ (1st inversion) and D/A (2nd inversion).
D on guitar and ukulele
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D guitar chord xx0232 -
D on ukulele 2220
Which keys use D?
D is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| G major | D | V | dominant |
| E minor | D | VII | dominant |
| D major | D | I | tonic |
| B minor | D | III | tonic |
| A major | D | IV | predominant |
| F♯ minor | D | VI | tonic or predominant |
| G minor | D | V | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with D
- I–IV–V–I in G major: G – C – D – G The basic cadence: tonic, predominant, dominant, tonic.
- I–V–vi–IV in G major: G – D – Em – C The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in G major: Em – C – G – D The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in G major: G – Em – C – D The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in G major: G – C – Em – D The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.