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D major 7th chord on bass (Dmaj7)
Also called or written Dmaj7 or DM7
D major 7th contains D, F♯, A, and C♯. The 10th-fret shape requires a wide stretch from the index to the pinky.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 7
- Root positionD–F♯–A–C♯Dmaj710-12-11-11
- First inversionF♯–A–C♯–DDmaj7/F♯no shape on this instrument
- Second inversionA–C♯–D–F♯Dmaj7/A5-5-4-6
- Third inversionC♯–D–F♯–ADmaj7/C♯9-9-7-7
How do you play a D major 7th chord on bass?
D major 7th is played at the 10th fret as 10 12 11 11: index finger on the E string at fret 10, pinky finger on the A string at fret 12, middle finger on the D string at fret 11 and ring finger on the G string at fret 11.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10 | 1 | D (1) |
| 3 (A) | 12 | 4 | A (5) |
| 2 (D) | 11 | 2 | C♯ (7) |
| 1 (G) | 11 | 3 | F♯ (3) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach the 12th fret on the 3rd string while the index stays at the 10th fret, creating a wide span.
Dmaj7/A inversion
D major 7th is played at the 4th fret as 5 5 4 6: middle finger on the E string at fret 5, ring finger on the A string at fret 5, index finger on the D string at fret 4 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 6.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5 | 2 | A (5) |
| 3 (A) | 5 | 3 | D (1) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 1 | F♯ (3) |
| 1 (G) | 6 | 4 | C♯ (7) |
Dmaj7/C♯ inversion
D major 7th is played at the 7th fret as 9 9 7 7: ring finger on the E string at fret 9, pinky finger on the A string at fret 9, index finger on the D string at fret 7 and middle finger on the G string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9 | 3 | C♯ (7) |
| 3 (A) | 9 | 4 | F♯ (3) |
| 2 (D) | 7 | 1 | A (5) |
| 1 (G) | 7 | 2 | D (1) |
Why it sounds like that
D major 7th is built from the 1, 3, 5, and 7 of the D major scale. The major 7th interval from D to C♯ gives the chord its smooth, resolved character. Compare it to D major, which lacks the C♯ and sounds more plain.
What goes wrong with D major 7th?
- Letting the pinky land flat and mute the 2nd string.
- Pulling the index finger off the 4th string when reaching with the pinky.
- Striking the 3rd string too softly so the F♯ note is lost.
When to use it
D major 7th functions as the I chord in D major, heard in D–G–A–D, the I–IV–V–I. It fits jazz standards, R&B, and mellow pop. Use it over D major or D 5th.
Changing to and from D major 7th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 8th fret gives C major 7th.
- From D major 7th, lift the pinky and move the middle and ring fingers to the 10th fret to play D major.
Which voicing to use
The 10th-fret shape keeps D in the bass for a solid root position. The Dmaj7/A inversion at the 5th fret puts A in the bass, making the chord feel lighter. The Dmaj7/C♯ inversion at the 9th fret has the leading tone C♯ in the bass, adding pull toward D.
Other D chords
Common questions
How is D major 7th written?
D major 7th is written DM7 or Dmaj7.
What is the hardest part of D major 7th?
The hardest part is stretching the pinky to the 12th fret while keeping the index on the 10th fret. Practice the stretch slowly to build flexibility.
How does D major 7th differ from D major?
D major 7th adds the C♯, the major 7th, to the D major triad. That note creates a more sophisticated, jazzy sound.
Can D major 7th be played in a lower register?
Yes, the Dmaj7/A inversion at the 5th fret sits lower on the neck. It sounds warmer and is easier to reach.