Dmaj7

Q: What notes are in the Dmaj7 chord?

The Dmaj7 chord (D Major 7) contains: D, F#, A, C#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Dmaj7 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is Dmaj7 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for Dmaj7?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

D Major 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordD majorTriad

ChordDmaj7D Major 7

ArpeggioD majorBroken triad

ScaleD major7 notes

KeyD majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: D Major 7
Symbol: Dmaj7
Root: D
Quality: Major 7

Chord notes

1Droot

3F#major 3rd

5Aperfect 5th

7C#major 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: ITonic (I)D major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: GG Major AA Major BmB Minor
Unstable degrees: 7C#
1D
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: Dmaj7source
AA Major
Major chord D is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: Dmaj7source
Deceptive resolution
BmB Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Dmaj7source
Modal resolution
CC Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Dmaj7source
Jazz reharmonization
Dmaj7D Major 7
In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).
Dmaj7source
Functional resolution
AA Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Parallel: Dm7D Minor 7
Relative: Bm7B Minor 7

Features

Character: Major, with major-7th tension
Characteristic interval: Major 7th (M7)
Description: The major 7th lies a semitone below the octave and creates dissonance without forming a dominant tritone.
Application: I and IV in jazz/pop
Neo-soul, romantic ballads
Light pop