The D7 chord, a.k.a. the D dominant seventh, is your gateway to adding a dash of brightness and a whole lot of flavor to your guitar playing. Often heard in blues, country, and even some pop and rock tunes, the D7 injects an uplifting vibe into chord progressions, making it a fantastic chord to master.
Whether you’re just starting your guitar journey or looking to expand your chord vocabulary, the D7 is a must-know. Let’s explore how to play the easy open position D7, understand the music theory behind it, and discover popular songs where you can hear and play this versatile chord. And of course, we’ll provide you with a handy Guitar Tab D7 to get you started.
Mastering the Open D7 Guitar Chord
The most common and beginner-friendly way to play the D7 is in the open position. If you’re already familiar with the D major chord, you’re halfway there! The D7 modifies the D major slightly to create its distinctive sound. While using similar strings, the finger placement is adjusted to bring out that lively, dominant seventh quality.
Here’s a simple breakdown to get your fingers in the right place for the open D7 chord:
- Middle Finger: Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Index Finger: Put your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Ring Finger: Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string (1st string).
This translates to the following guitar tab d7 finger position:
e|--2--
B|--1--
G|--2--
D|--0--
A|--x-- (not played)
E|--x-- (not played)- Index finger: 1st fret of the B string (2nd)
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the G string (3rd)
- Ring finger: 2nd fret of the high E string (1st)
Strum down from the D string (4th string), encompassing the top four strings to play the full D7 chord. Avoid strumming the lower E and A strings.
Unpacking the Notes of the D7 Chord
What exactly creates the unique sound of the D7 chord? It’s all in the notes! The open D7 chord is built from four key notes:
D, A, C, and F#
These notes combine to form a dominant seventh chord, which has a characteristically richer and more complex sound than a simple major chord. The inclusion of the C note (the minor seventh interval from the root D) is what gives the D7 its distinctive “dominant” quality, often creating a sense of anticipation and pull towards the tonic chord in a musical progression (usually a G chord in the key of D).
Songs Featuring the D7 Chord: Hear It in Action
The D7 chord isn’t just a theoretical concept; it’s a workhorse chord used across numerous genres. Understanding where it appears in songs helps you recognize its sound and appreciate its versatility. While D major and D minor chords are more frequent, the D7 adds a special flavor. Let’s explore some examples:
Blues Classics
Blues music and the D7 chord are like old friends. The bright edge of the D7 fits perfectly within the blues harmonic landscape.
- “Why I Sing the Blues” by B.B. King: A blues standard that prominently features the D7. Learning this song is not only a great way to practice the D7 but also to get acquainted with classic blues guitar phrasing.
- “I’m in the Mood for Love” (various artists): This timeless blues tune, popularized by artists like Louis Armstrong, incorporates the D7, adding a touch of warmth to its romantic melody.
- “Blue Suede Shoes” by Carl Perkins: A rock and roll and blues fusion, this song, famously covered by Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and The Beatles, utilizes the D7 to drive its energetic rhythm.
Country Hits
Country music also frequently employs the D7 chord, often to inject a hopeful or transitional feel within a song.
- “Walkin’ After Midnight” by Patsy Cline: In this classic country ballad, the D7 adds a subtle optimism to Cline’s melancholic vocal delivery.
- “Whiskey River” by Willie Nelson: Willie Nelson’s signature song, originally by Johnny Bush, uses the D7 to create an upbeat bridge between verses, adding momentum to the storytelling.
- Other Country Examples: You can also find the D7 in country staples like “Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” by Larry Butler, “Hey Good Lookin’” by Hank Williams, and “Me and Bobby McGee” by Kris Kristofferson (famously sung by Janis Joplin).
Pop Melodies
While less common in pure pop, the D7 chord brings a unique twist when it appears, often hinting at blues, jazz, or folk influences.
- “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees: This 60s pop hit uses the D7 to inject energy and cheerfulness, contributing to its feel-good vibe.
- “Dancing in the Street” by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas: The D7 in this Motown classic adds a layer of positivity to the song’s deeper message about civil rights.
- “Candy” by Paolo Nutini: A more contemporary example, this song blends pop with folk and soul, and the D7 provides an uplifting contrast to the somewhat melancholic lyrics.
- Holiday Pop: Even Christmas songs like “Deck the Halls” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” use the D7 to amplify their joyful spirit.
Rock Anthems
Though not as prevalent in rock as in blues, the D7 still finds its place, often adding a vibrant transition or a bluesy edge.
- “From Me to You” by The Beatles: This early Beatles hit features the D7, adding to its charming and upbeat character.
- “Tush” by ZZ Top: This ZZ Top classic blends blues and rock, and the D7 naturally fits into its blues-rock soundscape. It’s a simpler rock song to practice the D7 with.
- “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison: A rock and roll staple from 1967, “Brown Eyed Girl” uses the D7 extensively throughout the chorus and as a transition between verses.
Exploring songs is the best way to truly learn chords like the D7. The more you play and listen, the more naturally it will become part of your guitar vocabulary.
To further expand your chord knowledge, explore resources like Fender Play’s chord library for chord types and tips on mastering them. And if you’re new to guitar, consider a free trial of Fender Play to kickstart your musical journey!
