Chords in the key of D major on ukulele
The chords in the key of D major are built from the notes of the scale: D, Em, F#m, G, A, Bm, C#dim. Almost every song in this key uses only these, with the dominant A7 leading back to D.
The chords of the key
- DI
- Emii
- F#miii
- GIV
- AV
- A7V7
- Bmvi
- C#dimvii°
| Degree | Chord | Function |
|---|---|---|
| I | D | tonic (rest) |
| ii | Em | subdominant (moves away) |
| iii | F#m | tonic (rest) |
| IV | G | subdominant (moves away) |
| V | A | dominant (tension) |
| V7 | A7 | dominant (tension) |
| vi | Bm | tonic (rest) |
| vii° | C#dim | dominant (tension) |
Common progressions
- Pop (I–V–vi–IV): D – A – Bm – G
- 50s (I–vi–IV–V): D – Bm – G – A
- ii–V–I: Em – A7 – D – D
- Turnaround (I–vi | ii–V7): D Bm – Em A7
To improvise
The D major scale works over all these chords. To start with less risk, use the major pentatonic: five notes that almost never sound wrong in this key. D major pentatonic · D major scale
Relative key: B minor, with the same notes and a different home chord.