Also written Dmaj7 or DM7
D major 7th contains D, F♯, A, and C♯. The default voicing is a barre at the second fret with a pinky stretch to the fourth fret on the A string.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
D major 7th is built from a major triad (1–3–5) plus the major 7th interval. The major 7th (D to C♯) gives the chord its smooth, jazzy character. Compare with D major, which omits the C♯.
D major 7th serves as the I chord in D major, appearing in progressions like I–V–vi–IV (D major–A major–B minor–G major). It suits folk-pop and laid-back jazz. Try it with D major and G major.
The 2nd fret voicing keeps D in the bass for a solid root position. For a warmer, more mellow sound, use the Dmaj7/F♯ inversion with F♯ in the bass.
D major 7th is played at the 2nd fret as 2 2 2 4: barre your index finger across fret 2 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 4.
Tip — The default voicing requires a full barre at the second fret while the pinky reaches to the fourth fret on the A string.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 1 (barre) | A (5) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 (barre) | D (1) |
| 2 (E) | 2 | 1 (barre) | F♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 4 | C♯ (7) |
D major 7th is played at the 5th fret as 6 6 5 5: barre your index finger across fret 5, middle finger on the G string at fret 6 and ring finger on the C string at fret 6.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6 | 2 | C♯ (7) |
| 3 (C) | 6 | 3 | F♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 1 (barre) | A (5) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 1 (barre) | D (1) |
D major 7th is played at the 4th fret as 7 6 5 4: pinky finger on the G string at fret 7, ring finger on the C string at fret 6, middle finger on the E string at fret 5 and index finger on the A string at fret 4.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 4 | D (1) |
| 3 (C) | 6 | 3 | F♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 2 | A (5) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 1 | C♯ (7) |
D major 7th is played at the 7th fret as 7 9 9 9: index finger on the G string at fret 7, middle finger on the C string at fret 9, ring finger on the E string at fret 9 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 9.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 1 | D (1) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 2 | A (5) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 3 | C♯ (7) |
| 1 (A) | 9 | 4 | F♯ (3) |
D major 7th uses a major 7th interval (C♯), while D dominant 7th uses a minor 7th (C). The major 7th gives a softer, more resolved sound.
Press the barre finger just behind the fret and roll it slightly toward the nut. The pinky on the A string needs extra arch to clear the E string.
The Dmaj7/F♯ inversion at frets 6-6-5-5 uses individual fingers, but it requires a wider stretch. It is an alternative for players who find barres difficult.