What are the chords in the key of D Major?

The seven diatonic chords in the key of D Major are: D, Em, F#m, G, A, Bm, C#m. These correspond to the Roman numerals I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii.

What are common chord progressions in the key of D Major?

Two of the most popular progressions in D Major are the I–V–vi–IV (D – A – Bm – G) and the I–IV–V–I (D – G – A – D). These appear in countless pop, rock, and folk songs.

Chords in the Key of D Major

The key of D Major contains seven diatonic chords: D, Em, F#m, G, A, Bm, C#m. Use the interactive generator below to build progressions, hear them played back with drums and accompaniment, and export to MIDI.

Diatonic Chords in D Major

iii

F#m

vii

C#m

Relative Minor

The relative minor of D Major is B Minor. Both keys share the same set of notes and diatonic chords, but centre on a different tonic — making B Minor the natural choice for a darker or more melancholic feel.

Modes of D Major

Every mode below is built from the same seven notes as D Major, starting on a different scale degree.

D MajorI – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii

E Doriani – ii – III – IV – v – vi – VII

Gb Phrygiani – II – III – iv – v – VI – vii

G LydianI – II – iii – iv – V – vi – vii

A MixolydianI – ii – iii – IV – v – vi – VII

B Minori – ii – III – iv – v – VI – VII

About D Major

D Major is a bright, triumphant key that is hugely popular in rock, country, and folk music. The open D and A chord shapes on guitar ring clearly and project well, which is one reason so many acoustic songs are written here.

In classical music, D Major is often associated with grandeur and celebration — Beethoven's Violin Concerto, Handel's "Hallelujah" chorus, and Pachelbel's Canon are all set in this key.

With just two sharps (F♯ and C♯), D Major strikes a balance between brightness and accessibility. Fiddle tunes, bluegrass jams, and campfire singalongs gravitate toward D for the resonance of open strings on violin and guitar alike.