D Major Family Chords

The D major family of chords consists of chords built from the D major scale. These chords are diatonic, meaning they are naturally derived from the notes of the scale.

Building triads (three-note chords) on each scale degree gives you:
Triads in D Major:

D major (I): D - F# - A (tonic)
E minor (ii): E - G - B
F# minor (iii): F# - A - C#
G major (IV): G - B - D (subdominant)
A major (V): A - C# - E (dominant)
B minor (vi): B - D - F# (relative minor)
C# diminished (vii°): C# - E - G


Adding Seventh Chords in D Major
Adding a 7th to each triad creates more complex chords:

Dmaj7: D - F# - A - C#
Em7: E - G - B - D
F#m7: F# - A - C# - E
Gmaj7: G - B - D - F#
A7: A - C# - E - G
Bm7: B - D - F# - A
C#m7♭5 (C# half-diminished): C# - E - G - B


Here are some popular chord progressions in the key of D major:

D - G - A - D (I - IV - V - I)

The classic "pop" progression.
D - Bm - G - A (I - vi - IV - V)

Often used in ballads and pop songs.
D - F#m - G - A (I - iii - IV - V)

A bright, uplifting progression.
Bm - G - D - A (vi - IV - I - V)

These are the common "emotional" progression in D major.


How the Chords Work Together:

D (I): The home chord, the centre of the key.
A or A7 (V): The dominant chord, creating tension that resolves back to D.
G (IV): The subdominant chord, often used to add motion or contrast.
Bm (vi): The relative minor, giving a moodier or softer feel.
F#m (iii): A minor chord that adds depth.
C#dim (vii°): Less common, used for tension or transition.