The D Major 6 chord is a four-note chord made up of D, F♯, A, and B.
Construction
D Major 6 = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 6th = D · F♯ · A · B
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| D | Root | 1 |
| F♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| A | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| B | Major 6th | 6 |
D Major 6 Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | D – F♯ – A – B |
| 1st Inversion | F♯ – A – B – D |
| 2nd Inversion | A – B – D – F♯ |
| 3rd Inversion | B – D – F♯ – A |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the D Major 6 is the tonic (I) chord of D Major, whose key signature has 2 sharps (F♯, C♯).
F♯C♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of D Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the D major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes D – F♯ – A – B aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
D Major 6 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D Major 6 chord on piano?
The D Major 6 chord contains the notes D – F♯ – A – B. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the D Major 6 chord?
D6 contains: D, F#, A, B. Major triad with major sixth.
How does D6 differ from Dmaj7?
D6 has B (sixth). Dmaj7 has C# (seventh).
How does D6 differ from Bm7?
Same four notes, different root.
How is D6 used?
Vintage jazz, swing, country. D is a common acoustic key.
What songs use Major 6th?
Swing era, country, Hawaiian.
Can I substitute D6 for D Major?
Yes — warmer tonic.