Guitar arpeggio
D Major Guitar Arpeggio
D Major is a three-note arpeggio built from D, F#, and A. It is also commonly called D Major Triad. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- D, F#, A
- Formula
- 1 3 5
- Semitones
- 0 4 7
- Chord symbols
- Dmaj, DM
- Also called
- D Major Triad
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent D root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the D root notes and connect the remaining major chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called D Major Triad.
Chord construction and defining tones
D major combines 3 (F#) and 5 (A). The major third establishes the major quality, and the perfect fifth completes the stable triad.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio to outline Dmaj and other major chords directly, especially when a line needs to land clearly on the chord rather than move through the full scale.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the D Major arpeggio from one D root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Alternate between the root and 3 (F#) and 5 (A), listening for how the third defines the chord more strongly than the fifth.
- Play short ascending and descending phrases over Dmaj, changing direction on a different chord tone each time.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with D Major loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard