D7 (D seventh) is built from 4 notes: D, F♯, A, C.
- Droot
- F♯major third
- Aperfect fifth
- Cminor seventh
Formula: 1, 3, 5, b7
How to play D7 on guitar
x x 0 2 1 2x 5 7 5 7 510 12 10 11 10 10Read the diagrams with the low E string on the left. × means do not play that string, ○ means play it open.
How to play D7 on piano
Play D, F♯, A, C together. With your right hand, use fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5 (thumb on D). Your left hand can play D an octave lower for a fuller sound.
Where D7 is used
D7 is the five chord (V7) in the keys of G major and G minor. Its F♯ and C pull toward the notes of the G chord, which is why D7 so often comes right before G or Gm.
To hear the difference the seventh makes, play D and then D7. The extra C adds tension that wants to resolve.
Related chords
Change this chord into another key with the Chord Transposer, or look up any other chord or scale in the Chord and Scale Finder.