Major · D
Chord D Major (D)
D uses 3 keys, from D4 up to A4, 7 semitones apart.
← Back to the chord dictionaryWhat sets D apart on the piano
On the piano, the notes of D are D, F# and A. D is the root, F# the major third and A the fifth. Said aloud, its notes are D, F sharp and A. D uses one black key, F#, and two white keys, D and A.
The gaps in D are not equal. D to F# is four and F# to A is three semitones. The frequencies in this position are D4 at 293.66 Hz, F#4 at 369.99 Hz and A4 at 440 Hz, with A4 tuned to 440 Hz.
Your right hand plays D with the thumb, F# with the middle finger and A with the little finger. From D4 to A4 the hand spans seven semitones.
In the first inversion, D moves up an octave and the lowest note becomes F#, the major third. The fingers are 1 - 2 - 5. In the second inversion, F# moves up an octave and the lowest note becomes A, the fifth. The fingers are 1 - 3 - 5.
Move F# in D down a semitone, to F, and you have Dm. It shares D and F# with Bm, two of its three notes.
D shows up in seven keys. In D major it is the I, in G major the V and in A major the IV.
88-Key Keyboard
Listen to and visualize D
D Major (D)
MajorRoot position
How to play D Major (D)
- 1D · finger 1Play D4 with finger 1 of your right hand.
- 2F# · finger 3Play F#4 with finger 3 of your right hand.
- 3A · finger 5Play A4 with finger 5 of your right hand.
Voicings
Inversions of D
Across its 3 positions, the lowest note is D, F#, and A.
| Position | Notes | Fingering | Lowest note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | D · F# · A | 1 - 3 - 5 | D in the bass, the root |
| 1st inversion | F# · A · D | 1 - 2 - 5 | F# in the bass, the third |
| 2nd inversion | A · D · F# | 1 - 3 - 5 | A in the bass, the fifth |
D in every key
D sits in the scale of 7 keys.
Minor keys
Practice Notebook
Step-by-step guide: D Major (D)
- Ear Training: Major/Minor Comparison and Third Recognition
- Accurate Note Reading and Distances in D Major
- Visual Orientation on White and Black Keys
- Posture and Biomechanics of Both Hands Without Tension
- Root Position and Two Inversions
- Concrete Progression with Related Chords
- 10 to 15 Minute Practice with Rhythm, Metronome, and Self-Assessment
- Common Mistakes, Corrections, and Musical Application
Printable sheet for D Major (D)
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