Guitar chord

D Major 7 Open Chord

A common open Dmaj7 chord shape using a small barre across the top three strings.

Symbol
Dmaj7
Chord tones
D, F#, A, C#
Formula
1 3 5 7
Tuning
Standard
Frets, low to high
X X 0 2 2 2
Fingers, low to high
- - - 1 1 1

Chord fingering diagram

Read the chart vertically with the nut at the top. X means mute the string, markers above the nut are played open, and numbered markers show fretting-hand fingers.

D Major 7 Open Chord chord fingering diagram
D Major 7 Open Chord guitar chord fingering chart in standard tuning.

How to play Dmaj7

Fretting hand

Place finger 1 across strings 3 through 1 at fret 2. Fret each note close behind the fret wire without resting directly on it.

Clean sound check

Let the 4th string ring open. Keep the 6th string and 5th string muted. Keep each barring finger close behind its fret, then test the covered strings one at a time before strumming.

Sound and use

Dmaj7 adds the major seventh to a major triad for a smoother, less final color commonly heard in jazz, soul, pop, and quieter chord-melody playing.

More D chords

Keep the root fixed and compare how the third, seventh, suspended tones, or added tones change the sound.

More Major 7 chord shapes

Practice the same chord quality from other roots to reinforce its interval sound and common fingering patterns.