Chords in the Key of D

Click on the chord symbol for a diagram and explanation of each chord type:

D | Dm | Dsus2 | Dsus4 | Dmaj7 | Dm7 | D7 | Ddim7 | Dm7♭5

---

D MAJOR TRIAD

Chord Symbol: D or Dmaj

The D major triad consists of a root (D), third (F♯), and fifth (A). The distance between the root and the third is a major third interval (or four half-steps), and the distance between the third and fifth is a minor third interval (or three half-steps). Major triads have a “happy” sound.

Root Position

1st Inversion

2nd Inversion

---

D MINOR TRIAD

Chord Symbol: Dm

The D minor triad consists of a root (D), third (F), and fifth (A). The distance between the root and the third is a minor third interval (or three half-steps), and the distance between the third and the fifth is a major third interval (or four half-steps). Minor triads have a “sad” sound.

Root Position

1st Inversion

2nd Inversion

---

D SUSPENDED 2

Chord Symbol: Dsus2

In the Dsus2 chord, the third of the D major or minor chord (F♯ or F) is replaced (“suspended”) with the second note (E) of the D major scale.

Root Position

---

D SUSPENDED 4

Chord Symbol: Dsus4

In the Dsus4 chord, the third of the D major or minor chord (F♯ or F) is replaced (“suspended”) with the fourth note (G) of the D major scale.

---

D MAJOR 7

Chord Symbol: Dmaj7 or DΔ7

A major 7 chord is a major triad with an added seventh. The distance between the root and the seventh is a major 7th interval.

Root Position

1st Inversion

2nd Inversion

3rd Inversion

---

D MINOR 7

Chord Symbol: Dm7

A minor 7 chord is a minor triad with an added seventh. The distance between the root and the seventh is a minor 7th interval.

Root Position

1st Inversion

2nd Inversion

3rd Inversion

---

D DOMINANT 7TH

Chord Symbol: D7

A dominant 7th chord is a major triad with an added seventh, where the distance between the root and the seventh is a minor 7th interval.

You can also think of dominant 7th chords as being built on the fifth note of a major scale and following that scale’s key signature. For example, D7 is built on G, the fifth note of G major, and follows G major’s key signature (F♯).

Root Position

1st Inversion

2nd Inversion

3rd Inversion

---

D DIMINISHED 7TH

Chord Symbol: Ddim7

A diminished 7th chord is a four-note-chord where each note is a minor third apart. You can think of diminished 7th chords as a “stack of minor thirds.”

Root Position

1st Inversion

2nd Inversion

3rd Inversion

---

D HALF DIMINISHED 7TH

Chord Symbol: Dm7♭5

The half-diminished chord is also called the “minor seven flat five” chord. It is a minor 7th chord where the fifth is lowered by a half-step.

Root Position

1st Inversion

2nd Inversion

3rd Inversion

🎹 Your Go-To Place for All Things Piano

Subscribe to The Note for exclusive interviews, fascinating articles, and inspiring lessons delivered straight to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time.

SHARE THIS: