D Major Scale
Notes in the D Major Scale
| Degree | Name | Note | Frequency (A=440) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | D | 293.665 Hz |
| 2 | Supertonic | E | 329.628 Hz |
| 3 | Mediant | F# | 369.994 Hz |
| 4 | Subdominant | G | 391.995 Hz |
| 5 | Dominant | A | 440.000 Hz |
| 6 | Submediant | B | 493.883 Hz |
| 7 | Leading Tone | C# | 277.183 Hz |
Interval Pattern
| Step | Interval | Semitones | From Note | To Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | D | E |
| 2 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | E | F# |
| 3 | Half Step (H) | 1 | F# | G |
| 4 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | G | A |
| 5 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | A | B |
| 6 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | B | C# |
| 7 | Half Step (H) | 1 | C# | D |
Chords Built on Scale Degrees
| Degree | Note | Chord | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | D | major |
| 2 | E | E minor | minor |
| 3 | F# | F# minor | minor |
| 4 | G | G | major |
| 5 | A | A | major |
| 6 | B | B minor | minor |
| 7 | C# | C# diminished | diminished |
Key Signature
2 ♯ — The D key signature uses F#, C#.
D Major Scale in Practice
The D Major Scale uses the key signature of 2 sharps (F#, C#). D major has two sharps (F# and C#) and is known for its bright, brilliant sound. It is the natural key for violin and is widely used in orchestral and folk music. On guitar, D positions offer open-string resonance for fingering positions for this scale.
The major scale is the foundation of Western music, featuring a bright, happy sound. It follows the whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half step pattern.
Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments
Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.
| Note | Equal Temp. | Pythagorean | Just Intonation |
|---|---|---|---|
| D | 293.665 Hz | 293.332 Hz | 294.329 Hz |
| E | 329.628 Hz | 330.001 Hz | 327.032 Hz |
| F# | 369.994 Hz | 371.251 Hz | 367.911 Hz |
| G | 391.995 Hz | 391.111 Hz | 392.438 Hz |
| A | 440.000 Hz | 440.000 Hz | 436.043 Hz |
| B | 493.883 Hz | 495.000 Hz | 490.548 Hz |
| C# | 277.183 Hz | 278.437 Hz | 279.067 Hz |
Related Scales
Guitar: D Major Scale Positions
The D key offers 2 sharps (F#, C#) on guitar. Sharp-side keys like D are idiomatic guitar keys because open strings (E, A, D, G, B, E) align with the scale's natural resonance points.