Dmaj7 Chord on Guitar (D major seventh)
Dmaj7 is a major seventh chord with a dreamy, warm and relaxed sound. It contains the notes D – F# – A – C# (major chord + major seventh). Below you will find 3 ways to play it on guitar.
How to play Dmaj7
Position 1: x x 0 2 2 2
- low E: don't play
- A: don't play
- D: open
- G: fret 2
- B: fret 2
- high E: fret 2
Position 2: x 5 7 6 7 5
- low E: don't play
- A: fret 5
- D: fret 7
- G: fret 6
- B: fret 7
- high E: fret 5
Position 3: 10 12 11 11 10 10
- low E: fret 10
- A: fret 12
- D: fret 11
- G: fret 11
- B: fret 10
- high E: fret 10
The first shape is an open chord: it uses open strings, so it is the easiest way to play Dmaj7 and rings out the most. Strum only the strings that are not marked with an x.
Chord theory
A major seventh chord adds a major seventh (11 half steps above the root, one half step below the octave) to a major triad. The close distance between the seventh and the root gives it a floating, jazzy colour.
Degrees: 1 = D, 3 = F#, 5 = A, 7 = C#
Using Dmaj7 in songs
Major sevenths are used on the 1st and 4th degrees of a major key. Try swapping a plain major chord for its maj7 version in a slow song to add warmth.