Dmaj7 Guitar Chord

Dmaj7 is the D major seventh chord. It has four notes: D, F♯, A and C♯. The whole shape is one finger laid flat across three strings at the 2nd fret, which makes it either the simplest chord you know or your first ever barre, depending on how the mini barre treats you.

One finger barres the top three strings at the 2nd fret while the D string rings open. The smallest barre on the guitar, and good practice for bigger ones.

How to play Dmaj7, step by step

Index finger: press flat across the G to high E strings at fret 2
Leave the D string open. Strum from the D string down, skipping the two lowest strings.

If the flat finger will not cooperate yet, you can fret the same three notes with the index, middle and ring fingers as a stepping stone.

More ways to play Dmaj7

There are 2 common Dmaj7 shapes in total: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these, easiest first. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

Dmaj7 guitar chord diagram, compact, frets 5 to 7, played x5767x — Compact, frets 5 to 7

If the barre buzzes

High E buzzes at the edge of the barre: Press closer to the fret wire and roll the index slightly onto its bony side so a finger crease does not land on a string. Check the high E last; it is the string most likely to suffer.
Open D string is muted: The tip of the barre finger is drooping onto the D string. Pull the finger back so the barre starts at the G string and the D rings free.
Low strings rumble into the chord: Dmaj7 starts on the open D string. Aim the strum at the top four strings, or swing your thumb over to rest on the low E.

What makes it a Dmaj7

D · F♯ · A · C♯ 1 3 5 7

Dmaj7 is a major seventh chord: a D major triad (D, F♯, A) plus a major seventh (C♯). The C♯ hangs a half step below the root and gives the chord its warm, drifting quality. Dmaj7 is the I chord of D major and the IV chord of A major, and the small move between D and Dmaj7 is a classic songwriting device: Kiss Me and Harvest Moon are both built on it.

D vs Dmaj7

D major has three notes; Dmaj7 replaces the high D with a C♯. The grips are cousins: D is a triangle of three fingers, Dmaj7 flattens them into one small barre on the same frets. The plain D rings bright and open, Dmaj7 sounds hazier, and moving between them while the open D string keeps ringing is a sound you will recognise immediately.

Dmaj7 chord questions

Is Dmaj7 hard to play?

No, but the mini barre is a new skill. Pressing three strings evenly with one flat finger takes a little practice, and until it firms up the high E tends to buzz. Once the barre works, the chord itself is simple.

Can I play Dmaj7 without a barre?

Yes. Fret the 2nd fret of the G, B and high E strings with three separate fingers. It is a tight squeeze but it works, and many players use it permanently.

What is the difference between Dmaj7 and D7?

D7 has a C natural and a restless, bluesy pull toward G. Dmaj7 has a C♯ and stays put, calm and sweet. On the fretboard they are one fret apart on the B string; in a song they are not interchangeable.

What songs use Dmaj7?

Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer and Harvest Moon by Neil Young both hang on the drift between D and Dmaj7. It is a favourite move in mellow pop and folk.

What keys use Dmaj7?

It is the I chord of D major and the IV chord of A major. In either key it can stand in for plain D when you want the softer color.