How To Play Dmaj7 on Guitar 4 Different Ways

The art of guitar playing isn't just about strumming a few chords; it's a journey that takes you into the depths of musical expression. One chord that encapsulates the beauty and complexity of this expression is the Dmaj7 chord.

The D Major 7th chord adds a rich, full sound to your music, making it a must-have in your guitar-playing toolkit. In this article, we will guide you through four different ways to play the Dmaj7 chord on the guitar, each with its unique sound and feel.

We'll explore each chord shape in detail, showing you exactly where to place your fingers on the fretboard. By the end of this article, you'll have a newfound appreciation for the versatility and richness of the Dmaj7 chord.

What Is the Dmaj7 Chord?

In the realm of music theory, a Dmaj7 chord is composed of four notes: D, F#, A, and C#. The "maj7" indicates a major chord with a major seventh, giving it a distinct sound that's often described as jazzy, sophisticated, or ethereal.

You'll find the Dmaj7 chord in various genres, from pop and jazz to rock and blues. It has a beautiful resonance that adds depth to a musical piece, making it a favorite among many musicians. Playing the Dmaj7 chord in different positions or shapes on the guitar neck can slightly alter its sound, adding to its versatility and appeal.

1. Playing Dmaj7 Using the Open Chord Shape

The open chord shape is the simplest way to play the Dmaj7. It's known as an "open" chord because it incorporates open (unfretted) strings into the chord.

1. Place your index (1st) finger on the second fret of the third (G) string, playing the note A (the perfect fifth of the chord).

2. Now, place your middle (2nd) finger on the second fret of the second (B) string, playing the note C# (the major seventh of the chord).

3. Lastly, place your ring (3rd) finger on the second fret of the first (high E) string, playing the note F# (the major third of the chord).

4. The fourth (D) string is played open, and the entire chord is strummed from the fourth string down. Avoid playing the fifth (A) and sixth (low E) strings.

2. Playing Dmaj7 Using the Barre Chord Shape at the 5th Fret

The barre chord shape at the 5th fret allows for a fuller sound and is movable up and down the neck of the guitar.

This shape might be a bit more challenging, especially for beginners, as it requires barring of the top five strings, and the sixth string has to be muted:

5. Barre the top five strings at the 5th fret with your index finger. The root note D is on the 5th fret of the fifth (A) string. Mute the 6th string with the tip of your finger.

6. Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the third (G) string, playing the note C#, the major seventh of the chord.

7. Now, place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the fourth (D) string, playing the note A, the perfect fifth of the chord.

8. Lastly, place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the second (B) string, playing the note F#, the major third of the chord.

Strum from the 5th string down, avoiding the muted 6th string. Once you're comfortable with this shape, you can move it up or down the neck to play different maj7 chords.

3. Playing Dmaj7 Using the 10th Fret Chord Shape

This version of the Dmaj7 chord uses a shape that starts on the 10th fret, offering a higher pitch compared to the previous shapes:

9. Place your index finger on the 10th fret of the sixth (E) string, playing the note D, the root note of the chord.

10. Now, skipping the fifth (A) string, place your ring finger on the 11th fret of the fourth (D) string, playing the note C#, the major seventh of the chord.

11. Now, place your pinky finger on the 11th fret of the third (G) string, playing the note F#, the major third of the chord.

12. Lastly, place your middle finger on the 10th fret of the second (B) string, playing the note A, the perfect fifth of the chord.

This version does not play the fifth (A) string and the first (high E) string. This chord shape offers a distinctive, high-pitched variation of the Dmaj7 chord, adding diversity to your guitar-playing repertoire.

4. Playing Dmaj7 Using the Chord Shape on the 9th Fret

The final shape we'll discuss in this article is the Dmaj7 shape on the 9th fret. It is known as the 9th fret shape, as the index finger holds the note on the 9th fret, and no other notes fall below this fret. This version gives us the Dmaj7 variation of the highest pitch.

It's an excellent choice if you're looking to add more texture to your sound or are playing in a band and want to avoid clashing with other instruments:

13. Place your pinky finger on the 12th fret of the fourth (D) string, playing the note D, the root note of the chord.

14. Now, place your ring finger on the 11th fret of the third (G) string, playing the note F#, the major third of the chord.

15. Now, place your middle finger on the 10th fret of the second (B) string, playing the note A, the perfect fifth of the chord.

16. Lastly, place your index finger on the 9th fret of the 1st (E) string, playing the note C#, the major seventh of the chord.

Avoid playing the fifth (A) and the sixth (E) strings when strumming this chord shape. This shape is relatively easier to play compared to the previously mentioned shapes, but it can add a unique tonal flavor to your musical repertoire.

Practice Those Barre Chords

Learning how to play the Dmaj7 chord in different ways across the fretboard can elevate your guitar-playing skills, broaden your harmonic vocabulary, and bring more versatility to your performance.

From the open chord shape, ideal for beginners, to the 9th and 10th fret chord shape for more advanced players, mastering these various forms of the Dmaj7 chord will help you navigate your guitar with more confidence and ease. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep strumming, and don't be afraid to experiment with these different shapes in your music!

Feeling inspired to learn more guitar chords and techniques? Explore Rocksmith+ and our wide range of lessons and comprehensive guides to deepen your musical knowledge and sharpen your skills. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest guitar tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox. Happy strumming!

Sources:

A major 7th chords | Basic Music Theory

Barre Chords Explained! They're Super Easy! | Guitar Tricks

The Major seventh interval in music | Piano Scales