D Major Scale on Guitar
The D Major Scale has the notes D – E – F# – G – A – B – C#. Major is the foundation of Western harmony. Bright, happy and resolved.
D Major Scale notes
| Degree | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | D | E | F# | G | A | B | C# |
Its relative minor is B minor: B natural minor uses exactly the same notes.
Fretboard diagram (frets 0 to 12)
7 positions across the neck
Learn the scale one box at a time and then link neighbouring boxes. Each diagram covers a five-fret window.
Position 1 (frets 0–4)
Position 2 (frets 1–5)
Position 3 (frets 2–6)
Position 4 (frets 4–8)
Position 5 (frets 6–10)
Position 6 (frets 8–12)
Position 7 (frets 9–13)
How to use the D Major Scale
Melodies, riffs and solos in a major key. Most pop songs are built from the notes of a major scale.
Practice tip. Learn the scale across one string first, then link the patterns. Every major scale uses the same whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half step pattern.
Chords in D Major
These seven chords are built from the notes of the D Major Scale, and are the ones you will hear in songs in this key.
| Numeral | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | D |
| ii | Em |
| iii | F#m |
| IV | G |
| V | A |
| vi | Bm |
| vii° | C#dim |
More Major scales and related scales
FAQ
What are the notes of the D Major Scale?
The D Major Scale contains D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#.
What is the D Major Scale used for?
Major is the foundation of Western harmony. Use it for melodies, riffs and solos over major chords.
How many notes are in the Major scale?
7 notes: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, then the root D again an octave higher.
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