D Minor Major Seventh Guitar Chord Fingering
Welcome to our tutorial on the D m(maj7) chord, a distinctive chord belonging to the Minor Chords family. This chord is composed of the notes D, F, A, and C#, and is built using the intervals 1, b3, 5, and 7.
Understanding the intervals that make up this chord is crucial to mastering its sound and placement on the fretboard. The intervals in this chord are: the Root (1), the Minor Third (b3), the Perfect Fifth (5), and the Major Seventh (7). If you need a refresher on intervals, check out our tutorial about fretboard intervals.
Our tutorial will guide you through how to play the D m(maj7) chord, with detailed chord diagrams and fretboard patterns showing the tones composing the chord. These visual aids will help you grasp the chord's structure and learn how to play it with ease. If you're interested in learning more about how chords are built by stacking intervals, our guitar music theory tutorial is a great resource.
Additionally, understanding how to denote chords depending on the intervals that compose them is an essential skill for any guitarist. We have an excellent tutorial on how to denote chords that you might find useful.
Once you've mastered the D m(maj7) chord, you'll be able to incorporate it into various musical styles, including jazz. This chord is often used in jazz chord progressions, adding a rich and complex sound to your music.
We hope this tutorial will help you master the D m(maj7) chord and enhance your guitar playing skills. Happy strumming!
D m(maj7) chord Notes:
Chord Structure:
Dm(maj7) Guitar Chord Voicings
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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
Open
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FAQ
What notes make up the D m(maj7) chord?
The D m(maj7) chord is composed of four specific notes: D, F, A, and C#. These correspond to the root, minor third, perfect fifth, and major seventh intervals, respectively, when starting from the root note D.
What is the difference between a D m(maj7) chord and other D minor chords?
The key difference lies in the seventh interval. A standard D minor 7 chord includes a minor seventh (C), while the D m(maj7) chord features a major seventh (C#). This combination of a minor triad (D, F, A) with a major seventh (C#) gives it its distinctive sound and notation.
Why is this chord named D m(maj7)? What does 'm(maj7)' signify?
The 'D' indicates the root note of the chord. The 'm' stands for minor, specifically referring to the minor third interval (F) above the root. The '(maj7)' or sometimes 'M7' specifies that the seventh interval (C#) is a major seventh, distinguishing it from a chord with a minor seventh.
When should I use the D m(maj7) chord in my guitar playing?
The D m(maj7) chord offers a rich, complex, and often melancholic sound that is frequently employed in jazz music and other genres that benefit from sophisticated harmony. It can add color and tension to chord progressions, making it suitable for moments where a more nuanced emotional quality is desired.