The D Major and D7 Chords
Shown next are the fingering diagrams for two new chords, D major and D7. Notice that the D7 chord is a D chord with one note added - the flattened seventh.
D Major Root Position
The D major chord is constructed from the D major scale (see Appendix 2). Using the major chord formula on the D major scale, gives the notes D, F# and A. Play the three notes of the D chord with your right hand, individually, and then together, as in previous lessons.
D Seventh Root Position
The D seventh chord is also constructed form the D major scale (see Appendix 2). Using the seventh chord formula on the D major scale, gives the notes D, F#, A and C. Play the four notes of the D7 chord with your right hand, individually, and then together, as in previous lessons.
When playing chords with black notes, you will find the chord easier to play if you move your hand towards the back of the keys. The D major chord has two inversions and the D7 chord has three inversions.
As in previous lessons, practice playing the root position followed by the inversions to familiarize yourself with these two new chords. You must know all the inversions of each chord to enable you to play songs in any key in any position on the keyboard. In the chord progression that follows, the D chord is played in root position and the D7 chord is played in the third inversion. In any chord progression given, you can experiment with your own chord shapes and inversions.
