Dmaj7 Guitar Chord
D Major 7th · D–F#–A–C#
Dmaj7 is the D major 7th chord: D–F#–A–C#. Its sound is smooth and dreamy — the lush, jazzy color heard in ballads, neo-soul, and bossa nova.
Dmaj7 takes the plain D major triad and adds the major 7th (C#), one half-step below the root. That single note transforms it from a campfire chord into the lush sound of jazz standards, neo-soul, and city pop. It works as the I chord in D major and the IV chord in A major.
The easiest way to play Dmaj7 is the open-position shape (x x 0 2 2 2, low E string to high E string), which uses open strings and stays in the first few frets. Below you'll find 6 ways to play it across the neck, from open position to barre and shell voicings, with the theory behind the chord and the progressions it lives in.
How to Play Dmaj7: 6 Voicings
Frets are listed from the low E string to the high E string. x = don't play that string, 0 = open string.
Dmaj7 Chord Theory
| Interval | R | 3 | 5 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | D | F# | A | C# |
Dmaj7 is built from the D major scale.
Dmaj7 Chord FAQ
What notes are in the Dmaj7 chord?
Dmaj7 contains 4 notes: D (R), F# (3), A (5), C# (7). The interval formula for a major 7th chord is R–3–5–7.
What is the easiest way to play Dmaj7 on guitar?
Use the open-position shape: x x 0 2 2 2 (frets listed from the low E string to the high E string, x = don't play that string). It uses open strings, so it needs the least finger strength.
Is Dmaj7 a major or minor chord?
Dmaj7 is built on a major triad (D–F#–A) with the 7 added, so it behaves as a major-family chord.
What keys use the Dmaj7 chord?
Dmaj7 appears diatonically in D major (as I), A major (as IV), and G major (as V) — plus B minor, its relative minor key.
Related Chords
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