Playing the D#maj7 Piano Chord
The D#maj7 chord is a major 7th chord built on the root D#. It contains 4 notes: D#, G, A#, D. On piano, this chord is played by pressing these keys simultaneously or as an arpeggio.
A major triad with a major seventh. Warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and R&B. Mastering the D#maj7 chord opens up countless songs and progressions in the key of D#.
Piano Finger Positions for D#maj7
For the D#maj7 seventh chord, use these finger positions:
- Right hand (root position): Thumb (1) on D#, middle finger (3) on G, pinky (5) on A#.
- Left hand (root position): Pinky (5) on D#, middle finger (3) on G, thumb (1) on A#.
- Arpeggiated: Play the notes sequentially from lowest to highest for a broken seventh effect.
D#maj7 Chord Inversions
Inversions change the bass note while keeping the same harmonic quality:
| Inversion | Bass Note | Notes (bottom to top) | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | D# | D# – G – A# – D | Most stable |
| 1st | G | G – A# – D – D# | Lighter, less stable |
| 2nd | A# | A# – D – D# – G | Open, airy |
Interval Structure of D#maj7
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note in D# |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Root (R) | 0 | D# |
| 3rd | Major 3rd | 4 | G |
| 5th | Perfect 5th | 7 | A# |
| 7th | Major 7th | 11 | D |
Common Progressions with D#maj7 on Piano
- I–IV–V–I: D#maj7 – G#maj7 – A#maj7 – D#maj7 (classic cadence)
- I–V–vi–IV: D#maj7 – A# – Cm – G# (pop progression)
- ii–V–I: Fm – A# – D#maj7 (jazz turnaround)