How to Play a D7 Chord on Guitar – Easy D Dominant Seventh Guitar Chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the D 7 chord, a staple of the dominant chords family. Composed of the notes D, F#, A, and C, the D 7 chord is built using the music intervals of 1 (root), 3 (major third), 5 (perfect fifth), and b7 (minor seventh). These intervals give the D 7 chord its distinctive sound and make it a crucial component of many songs and chord progressions.
Understanding the D 7 chord and its construction can be greatly facilitated by having a sound knowledge of chord notation and fretboard intervals. These elements are key to not only learning the D 7 chord, but also to mastering the guitar as an instrument.
In this tutorial, we will provide you with chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that highlight the tones that make up the D 7 chord. Additionally, we will also delve into the theory behind dominant (7) guitar chords and explain how they are built by stacking intervals, as described in this music theory tutorial.
Whether you are an aspiring blues guitarist or a seasoned jazz musician, the D 7 chord and its variations are bound to feature in your musical journey. So, let's get started on mastering this essential chord!
Notes that compose the D 7 chord:
Chord Formula:
Fingerings for the D Dominant Seventh guitar chord
Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.
If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Movable
Position 2
Movable
Position 3
Open
Position 4
Open
Position 5
Movable
Position 6
Movable
Position 7
Movable
Position 8
Movable
Position 9
Movable
Position 10
Movable
Position 11
Open
Position 12
Barre
Open
Position 13
Barre
Movable
Position 14
Barre
Movable
Position 15
Barre
Movable
Position 16
Barre
Movable
You can find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you
prefer a printable pdf, download
the Free Guitar Chords Chart Pdf
FAQ
What notes make up a D7 chord?
The D7 chord is constructed from the specific notes D, F#, A, and C. These four notes are combined to create its unique sound.
What musical intervals define the D7 chord?
The D7 chord is built using four distinct musical intervals relative to its root (D): the root itself (1), a major third (3), a perfect fifth (5), and a minor seventh (b7). These intervals are what give the chord its specific structure and sound.
Why is the D7 chord considered a 'dominant' chord?
The D7 chord is classified as a dominant chord because of its specific interval structure, particularly the presence of the minor seventh (b7) alongside the major third. This combination creates a characteristic harmonic tension that typically 'wants' to resolve, making it a fundamental element in many chord progressions.
What gives the D7 chord its distinctive sound?
The distinctive sound of the D7 chord comes from the combination of its major third (F#) and, most notably, its minor seventh (C). This particular blend of intervals creates a rich, often 'bluesy' or 'jazzy' tension that makes it easily recognizable and crucial in various musical styles.
Why is the D7 chord important for guitarists to learn, especially in blues and jazz?
The D7 chord is crucial for guitarists because it's a staple dominant chord, essential for creating harmonic movement and tension in many songs and chord progressions. Its unique sound is a cornerstone of genres like blues and jazz, making it an indispensable part of a guitarist's vocabulary for authentic playing.
How does understanding intervals help in learning the D7 chord on guitar?
Understanding the intervals (1, 3, 5, b7) that build the D7 chord helps you grasp its theoretical foundation, allowing you to construct the chord not just by memorizing shapes, but by knowing where the root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh tones are on the fretboard. This deepens your understanding and mastery of the instrument beyond simple rote learning.