Chords in the key of D
The key of D major has seven chords: D · Em · F♯m · G · A · Bm · C♯dim. Tap any chord to hear it.
Keys lit: the D major scale. Tap a chord to light its notes.
The D major chord chart
| Degree | Triad | Notes | 7th chord | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | D | D F♯ A | Dmaj7 (Imaj7) | Tonic: home |
| ii | Em | E G B | Em7 (ii7) | Pre-dominant |
| iii | F♯m | F♯ A C♯ | F♯m7 (iii7) | Tonic substitute |
| IV | G | G B D | Gmaj7 (IVmaj7) | Subdominant |
| V | A | A C♯ E | A7 (V7) | Dominant: pulls home |
| vi | Bm | B D F♯ | Bm7 (vi7) | Relative minor |
| vii° | C♯dim | C♯ E G | C♯m7♭5 (viiø7) | Leading-tone chord |
Key of D at a glance
- Scale: D E F♯ G A B C♯
- Key signature: 2 sharps (F♯ C♯)
- Major chords: D, G, A
- Minor chords: Em, F♯m, Bm
- Diminished: C♯dim
- Relative minor: B minor
The pattern of chord qualities is the same in every major key: major, minor, minor, major, major, minor, diminished. It comes from stacking every other note of the scale on each degree.
Common progressions in D
| Progression | Chords in D | Play |
|---|---|---|
| I–V–vi–IV (pop) | D – A – Bm – G | |
| I–IV–V (rock and folk) | D – G – A – D | |
| I–vi–IV–V (50s) | D – Bm – G – A | |
| ii–V–I (jazz) | Em – A – D – D | |
| vi–IV–I–V (sensitive) | Bm – G – D – A |
More ideas by mood: pop, sad and jazz chord progressions, or loop your own in the chord progression generator.
Other keys
Questions
What chords are in the key of D?
The key of D major has seven chords: D, Em, F♯m, G, A, Bm, C♯dim. In Roman numerals that is I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi and vii°.
What are the I, IV and V chords in D?
D (I), G (IV) and A (V). These three major chords can harmonise most simple melodies in D major.
What is the relative minor of D major?
B minor. It uses the same notes and key signature (2 sharps), starting on the sixth degree, B.
What notes are in the D major scale?
D, E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, then D again an octave higher.