D major scale
The notes of the D major scale
The D major scale follows the whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half pattern from its tonic. Its seven degrees, tonic highlighted:
The chords of the scale
Harmonising each degree of D major gives the chords that sound right together. This is the toolbox for an accompaniment in this key.
| Degree | Chord | Function |
|---|---|---|
| I | D | Tonic |
| ii | Em | Supertonic |
| iii | F#m | Mediant |
| IV | G | Subdominant |
| V | A | Dominant |
| vi | Bm | Submediant |
| vii° | C#° | Leading tone |
Key signature
The key of D major has 2 sharps. Its relative shares exactly the same signature.
Going further
Two guides to go back over the basics: what a scale is, and how to read a key signature.
Neighbouring keys
On the circle of fifths, D major shares most of its chords with its direct neighbours. The relative has exactly the same signature; the dominant and the subdominant differ by a single accidental.
Other keys
The interactive keyboard in the app
Hear the scale and its chords on the Music Hub playable keyboard, and spot them in your songs. Free, no account required.
Open Scales & keyboard →Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the D major scale?
The D major scale is made of seven notes: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#.
Which chords go with D major?
The diatonic chords of D major are: D (I), Em (ii), F#m (iii), G (IV), A (V), Bm (vi), C#° (vii°). The three pillars of an accompaniment are D (I), G (IV), A (V).
What is the relative of D major?
The relative minor of D major is B minor: it shares the same key signature (2 sharps) and the same notes, only the resting note changes.
How many accidentals are in the key of D major?
The key signature of D major has 2 sharps. You build the scale from the tonic following the whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half pattern.