D piano chord (D major)

D – F♯ – A

Formula 1 – 3 – 5

DAF♯

D inversions

An inversion keeps the same notes but puts a different one at the bottom. Use them to move to the next chord with the smallest hand movement.

Root position D

D – F♯ – A

DAF♯

1st inversion D/F♯

F♯ – A – D

ADF♯

2nd inversion D/A

A – D – F♯

ADF♯

Keys that contain D

Other D chords

← C♯ · E♭ →

D chord questions

What notes are in the D major chord?

D is D, F♯, A. Its formula is 1 – 3 – 5, counted from the root D.

How do you play D on piano?

With the right hand in root position, play D–F♯–A using fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb on D). With the left hand, use fingers 5, 3 and 1 from the bottom.

What are the inversions of D?

Root position: D–F♯–A; 1st inversion: F♯–A–D; 2nd inversion: A–D–F♯.

Which keys contain D?

D occurs naturally in D major (as I), E minor (as VII), F♯ minor (as VI), G major (as V), A major (as IV), B minor (as III).