D major · 7 chords · 2♯

Chords in the Key of D major

The key of D major contains the notes D – E – F# – G – A – B – C#. Its seven chords are D, Em, F#m, G, A, Bm, C#dim.

The seven chords of D major

These are the triads built on each note of the D major scale. The numerals show where each chord sits in the key: capital letters are major chords, lowercase letters are minor.

Numeral	Chord	Notes	Function
I	D	D – F# – A	Tonic
ii	Em	E – G – B	Supertonic
iii	F#m	F# – A – C#	Mediant
IV	G	G – B – D	Subdominant
V	A	A – C# – E	Dominant
vi	Bm	B – D – F#	Submediant
vii°	C#dim	C# – E – G	Leading tone

Seventh chords in D major

Adding the seventh gives a richer, more open sound. These are the seventh chords that fit D major.

Dmaj7 Em7 F#m7 Gmaj7 A7 Bm7 C#m7b5

Key signature of D major

D major has 2 sharps: F#, C#.

The relative minor of D major is B minor: it uses exactly the same notes and chords, but feels more serious.

How to use the chords of D major

Most songs in a major key start and end on the I chord and lean on the IV and V chords. Try I–IV–V first, then add the vi chord for a more emotional sound.

Chord progressions in D major

Popular progressions written out in D major:

I-V-vi-IV: D – A – Bm – G
I-IV-V: D – G – A
12-Bar Blues: D7 – D7 – D7 – D7 – G7 – G7 – D7 – D7 – A7 – G7 – D7 – A7
I-vi-IV-V (50s progression): D – Bm – G – A
vi-IV-I-V: Bm – G – D – A
ii-V-I: Em7 – A7 – Dmaj7

Scales to play in D major

D Major Scale D Major Pentatonic Scale D Mixolydian Scale

FAQ

What chords are in the key of D major?

The chords in D major are D, Em, F#m, G, A, Bm, C#dim, which are chords I – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii° of the key.

What is the relative minor of D major?

It is B minor. The two keys share exactly the same notes and chords.

How many sharps or flats are in D major?