D#maj7 Chord

Lush, jazzy — major triad plus the natural 7th.

D#maj7
11fr142311EADGBe
Notes in this voicing: D# · A# · D · G
Root
D#
Quality
Major 7th
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Barre

String-by-String Fingering

Low EFret 11

Fret the Low E string at fret 11 with your index finger (D#).

AFret 13

Fret the A string at fret 13 with your pinky finger (A#).

DFret 12

Fret the D string at fret 12 with your middle finger (D).

GFret 12

Fret the G string at fret 12 with your ring finger (G).

BFret 11

Fret the B string at fret 11 with your index finger (A#).

High EFret 11

Fret the High E string at fret 11 with your index finger (D#).

Finger Number Legend

1Index
2Middle
3Ring
4Pinky

How to Play It

  • Start your strum from the Low E string and avoid any strings marked X.
  • Keep your fingertips close to the fret wire so the D#maj7 chord rings without buzz.
  • Lay finger 1 across fret 11 and keep your thumb behind the neck for even pressure.
  • Voice the maj7 on top for the sweetest sound.
  • Great substitute for a I chord in ballads.

Suggested Strumming Pattern

Down, down-up, up-down-up at a slow tempo; squeeze just before each strum and release after.

Common Mistakes

  • Grabbing a dominant 7 instead — it flattens the mood immediately.
  • Letting the barre collapse in the middle strings, causing muted notes or fret buzz.

Songs That Use This Chord Type

  • Something — The Beatles
  • Wave — Antonio Carlos Jobim

Alternative Shape

6fr13241EADGBe

Try this movable version when you need a different neck position, a tighter rock rhythm sound, or a smoother transition from nearby barre chords.

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