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D 7th sharp 5 chord on bass (D7♯5)
Also called or written D7♯5, D or D Dominant 7th ♯5
D 7th sharp 5 is built from D, F♯, A♯, and C. The open D string anchors this shape and makes it more approachable.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5, ♭7
How do you play a D 7th sharp 5 chord on bass?
D 7th sharp 5 is played in open position as 2 3 0 3: index finger on the E string at fret 2, middle finger on the A string at fret 3 and ring finger on the G string at fret 3. The D string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2 | 1 | F♯ (3) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (♭7) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (1) |
| 1 (G) | 3 | 3 | A♯ (♯5) |
AdvancedThe stretch between the 2nd fret and 3rd fret across four strings is moderate, but the open string requires careful hand positioning.
D7♯5/A♯ inversion
D 7th sharp 5 is played at the 4th fret as 6 5 4 5: pinky finger on the E string at fret 6, middle finger on the A string at fret 5, index finger on the D string at fret 4 and ring finger on the G string at fret 5.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6 | 4 | A♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (A) | 5 | 2 | D (1) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 1 | F♯ (3) |
| 1 (G) | 5 | 3 | C (♭7) |
D7♯5/C inversion
D 7th sharp 5 is played at the 7th fret as 8 9 8 7: middle finger on the E string at fret 8, pinky finger on the A string at fret 9, ring finger on the D string at fret 8 and index finger on the G string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8 | 2 | C (♭7) |
| 3 (A) | 9 | 4 | F♯ (3) |
| 2 (D) | 8 | 3 | A♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | 7 | 1 | D (1) |
Why it sounds like that
D 7th sharp 5 uses the formula 1, 3, ♯5, ♭7. The raised fifth A♯ creates the augmented-dominant tension. Compare it with D 7th, which has a perfect fifth A.
What goes wrong with D 7th sharp 5?
- Letting the index finger touch the open D string mutes it.
- Pressing the middle finger too hard on the 3rd fret bends the 3rd string sharp.
- Failing to arch the ring finger on the 3rd fret deadens the 1st string.
When to use it
D 7th sharp 5 functions as a dominant in D major, often leading to D major. It fits jazz, blues, and funk progressions that need an altered dominant.
Changing to and from D 7th sharp 5
- From D 7th sharp 5, move the index finger to the 1st fret and the middle finger to the 2nd fret for D 7th.
Which voicing to use
The D7♯5/F♯ inversion places the major third in the bass for a bright, leading sound. The A♯ inversions put the raised fifth low, giving a tense dominant feel.
Other D chords
Common questions
How is D 7th sharp 5 written?
D 7th sharp 5 is written as D7♯5 or D. The symbol D7♯5 is most common. The displayed shape preserves only the supplied notes and interval formula.
What is the difference between D 7th sharp 5 and D augmented?
D 7th sharp 5 adds a flat seventh C to the augmented triad D–F♯–A♯. D augmented is just the triad. The flat seventh makes it a dominant chord.
Can D 7th sharp 5 be played without open strings?
Yes, the D7♯5/A♯ inversion at frets 6-5-4-5 has no open strings. It is higher and brighter. The open-string version is easier for beginners.