Chord reference · four-note chord
Dmaj7 chord (D major seventh)
The Dmaj7 chord contains 4 written tones: D, F♯, A, C♯. Its interval formula is 1–3–5–7.
Dmaj7 chord notes and interval formula
The formula 1–3–5–7 means the chord is measured from D using the root, major third, perfect fifth, and major seventh. In semitone numbers from the root, the pattern is 0–4–7–11.
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | 0 | D |
| 3 | Major Third | 4 | F♯ |
| 5 | Perfect Fifth | 7 | A |
| 7 | Major Seventh | 11 | C♯ |
How to play Dmaj7 on piano
Start with the notes in root position from low to high: D – F♯ – A – C♯. Right hand 1–2–3–5; left hand 5–3–2–1 is a useful starting point, but black-key combinations and melodic movement may make another fingering more comfortable.
For a cleaner accompaniment, place the root in the left hand and play the remaining tones in the right. With extended chords, keep the third and seventh because they identify the chord quality most clearly.
How to play Dmaj7 on guitar
Try the shape x-x-0-2-2-2 in standard tuning, read from low E to high E. The sounding-string details are: E mute; A mute; D open: D; G fret 2: A; B fret 2: C♯; E fret 2: F♯. Keep every note clear and release pressure from strings marked “x.”
This is one voicing, not the only correct shape. The chord remains Dmaj7 whenever the essential pitch classes are present; doubling, omission, and bass-note choice change the voicing rather than the basic chord name.
Dmaj7 inversions and slash chords
Inversions keep the same notes but place a different chord tone in the bass. They are useful for smoother bass lines, compact keyboard movement, and alternative guitar voicings.
| Position | Symbol | Notes low to high | Bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | Dmaj7 | D – F♯ – A – C♯ | D |
| 1st inversion | Dmaj7/F# | F♯ – A – C♯ – D | F♯ |
| 2nd inversion | Dmaj7/A | A – C♯ – D – F♯ | A |
| 3rd inversion | Dmaj7/C# | C♯ – D – F♯ – A | C♯ |
What Dmaj7 sounds like and where it fits
The D major seventh chord is smooth and luminous. Major seventh chords are common tonic and subdominant colors in jazz, R&B, neo-soul, film music, and sophisticated pop. The major seventh sits one semitone below the root, creating a smooth but slightly unresolved color.
Dmaj7 compared with similar chords
Small interval changes create different chord names. Use this table to avoid confusing Dmaj7 with nearby structures.
| Chord | Quality | Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| D7 | Dominant Seventh | 1–3–5–♭7 | D, F♯, A, C |
| D | Major | 1–3–5 | D, F♯, A |
| Dm7 | Minor Seventh | 1–♭3–5–♭7 | D, F, A, C |
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the Dmaj7 chord?
The Dmaj7 chord contains D, F♯, A, C♯. Its interval formula is 1–3–5–7.
How do you play Dmaj7 on piano?
Play D, F♯, A, C♯ together. A practical root-position fingering is right hand 1–2–3–5; left hand 5–3–2–1; adjust the fingering to your hand and musical context.
How do you play Dmaj7 on guitar?
One compact standard-tuning shape is x-x-0-2-2-2 from the low E string to the high E string. An “x” means mute that string.
What does the symbol Dmaj7 mean?
The root is D. The suffix maj7 identifies a major seventh structure with the formula 1–3–5–7.
How many inversions does Dmaj7 have?
A 4-note chord has 4 closed-position arrangements when every chord tone is retained: root position plus 3 inversions. Extended practical voicings may omit notes.