D major chord on piano
D is a major chord built on D. It uses the notes D - F♯ - A and sounds bright, stable and resolved.
- Notes
- D F♯ A
- Formula
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 1
- Chord symbol
- D
How to play D step by step
- Find D. D is the white key between the two black keys.
- Add F♯, 4 half steps above D.
- Add A, 7 half steps above D.
- Press all 3 keys together with fingers 1 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
D inversions
An inversion uses the same notes in a different order. Inversions let your hand move less between chords, which is how pianists make chord changes sound smooth.
Which keys use the D chord?
Knowing where a chord lives helps you guess the next chord in a song. D appears naturally in these keys:
Songs that use D
Practice D inside real music. These tutorials use it in the left-hand accompaniment:
- Canon in D (easy-intermediate, D major)
- Minuet in G (easy-intermediate, G major)
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D major chord?
The D major chord (D) contains 3 notes: D, F♯, A. Its formula is 1 - 3 - 5.
How do you play D on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on D and play D, F♯, A together using fingers 1 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 1.