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
As you look at the keyboard, you'll see black keys in groups of two and three. To find D, the root of the D major chord, look for the key between the groups of two black keys.
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)
In some instances, you'll use different fingers to play the D major chord to make playing a certain song or piece easier. 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 1st and 2nd inversion.
How to play the 1st inversion of D major
F♯ is the lowest note of D major's first inversion. To play this inversion, use the following fingers with your right hand:
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 2nd inversion of D major
A is the lowest note of the 2nd inversion of D major. With your right hand, you can play this inversion with the following fingers:
F♯ - Fifth finger (5)
D - Third finger (3)
A - First finger (1)
