Explore chords · Ukulele
D minor major 7th chord on ukulele (DmMaj7)
Also called or written DmMaj7, Dminmaj7, Dmmaj7, DmM7, D Minor Sharp 7 or D Minor ♯7
D minor major 7th contains D, F, A, and C♯. The 7th fret voicing stretches the hand across three frets, making it a demanding grip.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7
How do you play a D minor major 7th chord on ukulele?
D minor major 7th is played at the 7th fret as 7 9 9 8: index finger on the G string at fret 7, ring finger on the C string at fret 9, pinky finger on the E string at fret 9 and middle finger on the A string at fret 8.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 1 | D (1) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 3 | A (5) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 4 | C♯ (7) |
| 1 (A) | 8 | 2 | F (♭3) |
AdvancedThe stretch from the 7th fret on the G string to the 9th fret on the C and E strings challenges smaller hands.
Dminmaj7/F inversion
D minor major 7th is played at the 5th fret as 6 5 5 5: barre your index finger across fret 5 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 6.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6 | 4 | C♯ (7) |
| 3 (C) | 5 | 1 (barre) | F (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 1 (barre) | A (5) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 1 (barre) | D (1) |
Why it sounds like that
D minor major 7th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7. The major 7th interval between D and C♯ gives the chord its tense, unresolved color. Compare it to D minor, which stops at the perfect 5th and sounds settled.
What goes wrong with D minor major 7th?
- Letting the G string buzz because the index finger is not close enough to the fret.
- Muting the A string with the palm while reaching for the 9th fret.
When to use it
D minor major 7th works as a passing chord in D minor progressions, such as D minor–D minor major 7th–D minor 7th. It suits jazz ballads and film noir textures where the raised 7th adds tension. Try it before D minor or D 5th.
Changing to and from D minor major 7th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 5th fret gives C minor major 7th.
- From D minor major 7th, lift the pinky and ring finger to move to D minor.
Which voicing to use
The 7th fret voicing keeps D in the bass for a root-position sound. The Dminmaj7/C♯ inversion places C♯ in the bass, creating a darker, leading-tone pull toward D minor.
Other D chords
Common questions
How is D minor major 7th written?
D minor major 7th is written Dmmaj7, Dminmaj7, or DmM7.
What mistake do players make with this shape?
Players often flatten the pinky and mute the E string. Keep the pinky arched and press with the fingertip.
How does D minor major 7th differ from D minor 7th?
D minor major 7th has a major 7th (C♯), while D minor 7th has a minor 7th (C). The major 7th creates a sharper, more dissonant sound.