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D7 Chord

Chord Diagram

D7 dominant 7th chord fingering diagram for guitar. Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and ring finger on the second fret of the high E string. The low E and A strings are not played, D string is played open.123EADGBE

X = Don't play this string

O = Play open string

Numbers = Finger placement

Finger Positions

1st Finger (Index)

2nd fret of the G string (3rd string)

2nd Finger (Middle)

2nd fret of the high E string (1st string)

3rd Finger (Ring)

2nd fret of the B string (2nd string)

Pro Tip: The D7 chord is easier than many other 7th chords since it only requires three fingers all on the same fret. Perfect for beginners learning their first 7th chord!

Understanding the D7 Chord

The D7 chord is a dominant seventh chord built from the D major triad (D-F#-A) with an added minor seventh interval (C). This chord is extremely popular in country, blues, and folk music, and it naturally wants to resolve to G major.

Chord Tones

  • Root: D
  • Major 3rd: F#
  • Perfect 5th: A
  • Minor 7th: C

Musical Function

  • • V chord in the key of G major
  • • Creates strong pull toward G major
  • • Essential in country and bluegrass
  • • Common in 12-bar blues

D7 Chord Variations

D7 (Open)

Basic open position

xx0212

D7 (Alt)

Alternative fingering

xx0213

D7sus4

Suspended fourth

xx0233

Common Progressions with D7

D7 - G

Classic dominant to tonic resolution

D7
G

G - C - D7 - G

Classic country progression

G
C
D7
G

Em - A7 - D7 - G

Descending progression in G

Em
A7
D7
G

Practice Tips for D7 Chord

Common Mistakes

  • • Playing the A or low E strings accidentally
  • • Not pressing firmly enough on 2nd fret
  • • Fingers too flat against the fretboard
  • • Crowding fingers together

Practice Exercises

  • • Practice D to D7 transitions
  • • Try D7 to G major resolution
  • • Work on G-C-D7-G progression
  • • Practice country strumming patterns

Popular Songs Using D7 Chord

House of the Rising Sun

The Animals

Intermediate

Wagon Wheel

Darius Rucker

Beginner

Country Roads

John Denver

Beginner

Hey Good Lookin'

Hank Williams

Beginner

Your Cheatin' Heart

Hank Williams

Intermediate

Folsom Prison Blues

Johnny Cash

Intermediate