D major 7th · Ukulele
Dmaj7 Chord on Ukulele
The Dmaj7 chord (D major 7th) is built from the notes D, F#, A and C#. The ukulele fingering for it is shown below.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 4 (G): fret 2 — index finger
- string 3 (C): fret 2 — index finger
- string 2 (E): fret 2 — index finger
- string 1 (A): fret 4 — ring finger
Notes in this chord
- D
- F♯
- A
- C♯
Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – 7
How to play
Every ukulele shape for Dmaj7 needs a barre, and the lowest one starts at fret 2. Keep the index finger straight and as close to the fret wire as possible, and let the wrist rather than the thumb supply the pressure.
Theory behind the chord
Major seventh chords keep the bright major triad but add the leading tone a semitone below the root. The result is the soft, floating sound heard throughout bossa nova, soul and neo-soul. On Dmaj7 this structure sits on the root D, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – 7 map onto D, F#, A and C#.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the Dmaj7 chord?
- Dmaj7 contains the notes D, F#, A and C#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – 7.
- How many ways can you play Dmaj7?
- Minory lists a single ukulele fingering for Dmaj7, and it is a barre shape.
- Is the Dmaj7 chord hard to play?
- Dmaj7 requires a barre, so it can feel demanding at first. Keeping the index finger straight and pressing from the wrist rather than the thumb makes it noticeably easier.
Practise Dmaj7 on your phone
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