D Major Chord on Piano – Notes, Inversions and Songs

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The D major chord offers clarity and optimism to the compositions that use it. Formed from the combination of the notes D, F# and A, it offers a bright, assertive sound, appreciated in many musical genres, from classical to rock. This chord evokes feelings of joy, making any musical work welcoming.

In this article, we’ll learn how to play the notes and two inversions of the D major chord on the piano, with diagrams, illustrations and tutorial videos. At the end of the article, you’ll also find some examples of popular songs using the D major chord.

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The D major chord: what is it?

The D major chord is an essential musical harmony composed of three notes: D as the root, F# as the major third, and A as the fifth. This structure creates the rich, bright sound characteristic of major chords. Used in an impressive variety of musical pieces, it crosses epochs and styles, offering musicians and audiences alike an auditory experience full of dynamism and luminosity. Its ease of integration into chord progressions makes it a favorite choice for composers seeking to energize their works.

How to play the root position of the D major chord on the piano?

Right hand

Let’s start with the right hand. The D major is made up of 3 notes: a root note, a third and a fifth. To compose this chord, press the following three notes at the same time on your piano with the fingers indicated:

A – Fifth finger (5)
F♯ – Third finger (3)
D – First finger (1)

Notes of the D major chord in the root position of the right hand on a piano keyboard (with fingering).

Notes of the D major chord in the root position of the right hand on a score staff.

Left hand

For the left hand, the notes remain the same but the position of the fingers changes. Play your D major by pressing the following 3 notes:

A – First finger (1)
F♯ – Second finger (2)
D – Fifth finger (5)

Notes of the D major chord in the root position of the left hand on a piano keyboard (with fingering).

Notes of the D major chord in the root position of the left hand on a score staff.

Tutorial video

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How to play the first inversion of the D major chord on the piano?

Right hand

The first inversion of the D major chord is composed of the following 3 notes in the right hand:

D – Fifth finger (5)
A – Second finger (2)
F♯ – First finger (1)

Notes of the first inversion of the D major chord played with the right hand on a piano keyboard (with fingering).

Notes of the first inversion of the D major chord played with the right hand on a score staff.

Left hand

To play the same D major inversion with your left hand, only the position of the fingers changes:

D – First finger (1)
A – Third finger (3)
F♯ – Fifth finger (5)

Notes of the first inversion of the D major chord played with the left hand on a piano keyboard (with fingering).

Notes of the first inversion of the D major chord played with the left hand on a score staff.

Tutorial video

How to play the second inversion of the D major chord on the piano?

Right hand

The second inversion of the D major chord is played with the following 3 notes in the right hand:

F♯ – Fifth finger (5)
D – Third finger (3)
A – First finger (1)

Notes for the second inversion of the D major chord played with the right hand on a piano keyboard (with fingering).

Notes for the second inversion of the D major chord played with the right hand on a score staff.

Left hand

Press the following 3 keys on your keyboard to play the second inversion of D major chord with your left hand and the appropriate fingers:

F♯ – First finger (1)
D – Third finger (3)
A – Fifth finger (5)

Notes for the second inversion of the D major chord played with the left hand on a piano keyboard (with fingering).

Notes for the second inversion of the D major chord played with the left hand on a score staff.

Tutorial video

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Exercises to master the D major chord on the piano

To master this chord, we recommend practicing several exercises a week. If you’re diligent, you’ll improve very quickly and be able to integrate the D major chord easily into your compositions and performances after just a few weeks. You can also use our interactive piano learning app to help you progress more quickly.

Here are a few exercises to help you make progress with this particular chord:

Harmonic progressions: Start by integrating the D major chord into different chord progressions to get a feel for its interaction with other harmonies. For example, play a sequence of D major – G major – A major – D major, repeating and varying the rhythm to smooth the transitions.
Inversions and voicings: Practice the different inversions of the D major chord (first inversion: F#-A-D, second inversion: A-D-F#) to master its sound from all angles. Experiment with different combinations to enrich the sound texture.
Melody accompaniment: Choose a simple melody and use the D major chord as accompaniment. Vary between playing the chord en bloc and “arpeggiating” (playing each note one after the other) the chord to accompany the melodic line, which will develop your sense of harmonization.
Rhythmic improvisation: Concentrate on rhythm while playing the chord. Alternate between staccato (short) and legato (linked) chord strokes, and play with varied rhythmic patterns to improve your sense of timing and dynamics.
Creating melodic sequences: Starting from the chord of D major, create melodic sequences using each note of the chord. Play these melodies with the right hand while accompanying with the full chord or its inversions in the left hand, enhancing your musical coordination and expressiveness.

Some popular songs that use the D major

Sweet Child o' Mine by Guns N' Roses

Although primarily known for its memorable electric guitar riffs, this legendary song incorporates the D major chord into its harmonic structure, contributing to its energy and rock vibe.

Learn to play Sweet Child o' Mine by Guns N' Roses easily on the piano →

Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison

This track uses the D major chord in its musical progression. Its catchy rhythm and melody make it a perfect example of the luminous effect this chord can bring to a musical composition.

Learn to play Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison easily on the piano →

Wonderwall by Oasis

Primarily based on acoustic guitar chords, Wonderwall effectively incorporates the D major chord, contributing to the song’s rich texture and emotional character. It’s a striking example of the use of this chord in alternative rock music.

Learn to play Wonderwall by Oasis easily on the piano →

Conclusion

The D major chord occupies a special place in the musical universe, offering compositions a luminosity and energy beyond measure. Its presence in many popular songs across all genres underlines its versatility and universal appeal to composers and performers alike.

We hope you’ve found this article helpful in integrating this chord into all your compositions. Don’t forget to repeat the above-mentioned exercises frequently to gain agility and ease in your playing.

You can also use our interactive app to help you practice this chord and many others on your favorite songs.