Scale Charts › D Major scale

D Major scale on guitar

D Major is a seven-note scale that most Western melodies are built on (do re mi). Its notes are D, E, F#, G, A, B and C# (1 2 3 4 5 6 7). Knowing it unlocks the chords in a key, the modes and how melodies are put together. The D roots sit at fret 10 on the low E string.

How to practice it

1. Start at fret 10 on the low E string and play the box from low to high and back.
2. Say or think the note names as you play until the roots jump out.
3. Play it over a backing track in the same key and aim for the root on strong beats.
4. Chords in the key: D, Em, F#m, G, A, Bm and C#dim.

Questions

What notes are in the D Major scale?

D, E, F#, G, A, B and C#. The formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.

Where do I start D Major on guitar?

Put your first finger on D at fret 10 of the low E string; the root is also at fret 5 of the A string. Learn that box first, then link it to the next one up the neck.

What is the relative minor of D Major?

B Minor. It uses the same notes starting from a different root.

Also try: B Minor scale · D Major · Scale Charts