D chord on piano
D Major. Notes: D, F# and A.
How to play D
- Find D at or above middle C. That is the root.
- Add F# and A above it, skipping the keys in between.
- Right hand fingering: 1-3-5 (thumb, middle, pinky). Left hand: 5-3-1 (pinky, middle, thumb).
Notes
D inversions
An inversion moves the lowest note up an octave. Same notes, smoother jumps between chords.
Root position
D · F# · A1st inversion
F# · A · D2nd inversion
A · D · F#Notes and theory
The major triad is the bright, settled chord that most songs start and end on. The formula is 1 3 5, and you will also see it written as Dmaj and DM.
Keys that use D
More D chords
All D piano chordsmajor chords in every key
Questions
What notes are in the D chord?
D (D major) is made of three notes: D (root), F# (major third) and A (perfect fifth).
How do you play D on piano?
Play D, F# and A together. With the right hand use fingers 1-3-5 (thumb, middle, pinky); with the left hand use 5-3-1 (pinky, middle, thumb).
What are the inversions of D?
Root position: D F# A. 1st inversion: F# A D. 2nd inversion: A D F#.
What is the difference between D and Dm?
Only the third changes. D major uses a major third and sounds bright; D minor lowers that note by a half step, which makes it sound darker. The root and the fifth stay the same.
What key is D in?
D belongs to 6 keys: D major (as the I chord), G major (as the V chord), A major (as the IV chord), E minor (as the VII chord), F sharp minor (as the VI chord) and B minor (as the III chord).
What does a major chord sound like?
The major triad is the bright, settled chord that most songs start and end on.