D Major 7th

Fretboard

About

The D major 7th (D–F♯–A–C♯) adds a major seventh to the major triad. Unlike the dominant 7 there is no tritone — the C♯ sits a half step below the root, creating a gentle, unresolved shimmer rather than a strong directional pull. This makes maj7 a tonic or subdominant color, used to add sophistication without urgency. The major 7th interval itself is the defining tone; the fifth can be omitted. On guitar, shell voicings (1–3–7) are efficient and common in jazz. The half step between C♯ and the root is part of the appeal — a tension that does not demand resolution. Compared to D7, maj7 is relaxed and expansive; compared to D, more harmonically lit-from-within.

Adjust labels, frets, and palette in the interactive view.