Key of D - The D Major Scale

Notes in the D Major Scale:

DEF#GABC#

The key of D contains 7 notes: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#.This major key has a bright, uplifting sound and is one of the most common keys in popular music.

Chords in the Key of D

I
I
D major
ii
ii
E minor
iii
iii
F# minor
IV
IV
G major
V
V
A major
vi
vi
B minor
vii°
vii°
C# diminished

Chord details coming soon

Common Chord Progressions

I - V - vi - IV
Pop progression
I
D major
→
V
A major
→
vi
B minor
→
IV
G major
I - IV - V
Classic rock
I
D major
→
IV
G major
→
V
A major
I - vi - IV - V
50s progression
I
D major
→
vi
B minor
→
IV
G major
→
V
A major
ii - V - I
Jazz cadence
ii
E minor
→
V
A major
→
I
D major
D Major Scale Pattern

The D Major scale follows the pattern of W-W-H-W-W-W-H (whole and half steps).

Scale formula: D - E - F# - G - A - B - C#

Key signature: 2 sharps

Understanding the Key of D

Scale Degrees

Each chord in the key is built on a scale degree. Roman numerals show the chord's position in the scale. Uppercase = major chords, lowercase = minor chords.

Tonic Chord

The I chord (D major) is the tonic - the "home" chord that provides resolution and stability.

Dominant Chord

The V chord (A major) creates tension that naturally wants to resolve back to the tonic.