D Major
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The D major chord is a triad formed from a root (D), a major third (F♯) and a perfect fifth (A).
How to play D major on the piano
To play the D major chord, start by finding its root: D. Looking at the keyboard, find the black keys in groups of two. The white key between those two black keys is D. From there, you can build the chord.
Three notes make up the D major chord: D, F♯ and A. To play the chord in its root position with your right hand, use the following fingers:
A - Fifth finger (5)
F♯ - Third finger (3)
D - First finger (1)
Read: Here's everything you need to know about major and minor chords.
If playing D major with your left hand, you'd use the following fingers for the root position chord:
A - First finger (1)
F♯ - Third finger (3)
D - Fifth finger (5)
With some pieces of music, it may be easier or more logical to use different fingers to play the D major chord. To see how the D major chord is built, watch the video above.
What are the inversions of D major?
While the root position of D major is used often, you may find a need or desire to play one of its inversions. If you change the note order, you'll be able to play the first and second inversions of the chord.
How to play the first inversion of D major
F♯ is the lowest note of D major's first inversion. To play this inversion with your right hand, use the following fingers:
D - Fifth finger (5)
A - Second finger (2)
F♯ - First finger (1)
Read: Here's everything you need to know about chord inversions.
How to play the second inversion of D major
The lowest note of the second inversion of D major is A. With your right hand, you can play this inversion using the following fingers:
F♯ - Fifth finger (5)
D - Third finger (3)
A - First finger (1)
