In this lesson we learn how to play the D chord on piano.
The D major chord, like all other major chords is a triad and consists of three notes. It is formed by combining the root note, D, the major third, F sharp, and the perfect fifth, A. So the notes of the D maj chord are D F# A. These notes must be pressed simultaneously.
To learn more about this chord and others, check out my course, Piano Chords: How To Form Basic Chords On Piano And Keyboard.
Let’s find D on the piano keyboard. D is the white note right after C. Take a look at the sets of black keys on your keyboard. They are grouped in twos and threes. The note right after the first black key in the set of two black keys is D. To find F# move two tones from D to the right on your piano. F# falls on a black key. To find A, move one and a half tones from F#.
How about the inversions of a D chord? Take a look at the diagram below. You will see the D maj chord in root position, first inversion and second inversion. In the root position the notes are in the order, D F# A. In the 1st inversion the notes are in the order F# A D. In the 2nd inversion the notes are in the order A D F#.
How about the fingering of the D major chord? For the right hand in root position, place your thumb on the root of the scale which is D. Place your middle finger on F sharp and your little finger on A. For the first inversion, put your thumb on F#, your index finger on A and your fifth finger on D. For the second inversion of the D triad, bring your thumb up to A, finger 2 to D and your fourth (or fifth) finger to F#.
Short Video: How To Play A D Major Chord
The D chord occurs naturally in the following keys:
In the key of D major, it’s chord I. In the relative minor key, B minor, it’s chord III.
In the key of G major, the chord D is chord V. In the relative minor key, E minor, D is chord VII.
In the key of A major, the chord D is chord IV. In the relative minor key, F# minor, D maj is chord VI.
For an understanding of chords and the keys in which they occur, go to the page, Chords By Key.
Learn how to play piano chords with the Piano For All piano course.
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