Dmaj7 Chord

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

Dmaj7
111EADGBe
Notes in this voicing: D · A · C# · F#
Root
D
Quality
Major 7th
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Extended

String-by-String Fingering

Low EX

Mute the Low E string so it does not ring.

AX

Mute the A string so it does not ring.

DO

Play the D string open (D).

GFret 2

Fret the G string at fret 2 with your index finger (A).

BFret 2

Fret the B string at fret 2 with your index finger (C#).

High EFret 2

Fret the High E string at fret 2 with your index finger (F#).

Finger Number Legend

1Index
2Middle
3Ring
4Pinky

How to Play It

  • Start your strum from the D string and avoid any strings marked X.
  • Keep your fingertips close to the fret wire so the Dmaj7 chord rings without buzz.
  • Voice the maj7 on top for the sweetest sound.
  • Great substitute for a I chord in ballads.

Suggested Strumming Pattern

Down, down-up, pause, up-down-up; let the upper notes breathe instead of over-strumming.

Common Mistakes

  • Grabbing a dominant 7 instead — it flattens the mood immediately.
  • Strumming into muted strings instead of stopping at the first ringing string.

Songs That Use This Chord Type

  • Something — The Beatles
  • Wave — Antonio Carlos Jobim

Alternative Shape

10fr142311EADGBe

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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