D major
D major is the major key with the tonic D and two sharps, F♯ and C♯. It lies directly next to G major on the circle of fifths, a fifth higher. Its relative key is B minor.
- Tonic
- D
- Key signature
- 2 sharps (F♯, C♯)
- Tonic chord
- D major, D–F♯–A
- Subdominant
- G major, G–B–D
- Dominant
- A major, A–C♯–E
- Leading tone
- C♯
- Relative key
- B minor
The scale with two sharps
On the tonic D the major pattern requires F♯ and C♯. In sharp keys the tonic lies a semitone above the last sharp: last sharp C♯, therefore D major. This is the second sharp key on the circle of fifths.
D major scale
The major pattern on D needs two sharps: F♯ (third degree) and C♯ (seventh degree, the leading tone).
The chords of D major
The seven degrees yield D, Em, F♯m, G, A, Bm and C♯°. The progression I–V–vi–IV is D–A–Bm–G here. As in every major key, tonic (D), subdominant (G) and dominant (A) are the main functions.
Pieces in D major
All three sheets carry two sharps in the key signature. You can also recognise the key by the beginning on the note or chord D.
Violin
-
Kanon D-Dur Johann Pachelbel · violin · 1 page
Two sharps in the key signature, the melody begins on the note D. Headed “Canon per 3 Violini e Basso continuo”, in 4/4.
Piano
-
Invention Nr. 3 D-Dur Johann Sebastian Bach, BWV 774, from: Two-Part Inventions · piano · 2 pages
3/8 with two sharps, the piece begins with an upbeat on D and E.
Guitar
-
Gitarrenschule, Stück Nr. 11 Ferdinando Carulli · guitar · 1 page
“Tempo di Valse” in 3/8, two sharps in the key signature, the first chord is D major.
Common mistakes
- Setting only one sharp: In D major F♯ and C♯ apply to every matching note of the line.
- Confusing D major and B minor: Both have two sharps. The ending decides.
- Spelling: The note letter is a capital and the mode word is lowercase: “D major”, “B minor”.
Continue on Maikstrings
Related terms
MajorG majorA majorKeyRelative keyCircle of fifthsAccidentalSharp
Editor: Maik Krohm · reviewed on 3 October 2026
← Back to the glossary