D Major Scale

Building D Major

Apply the major scale formula (W-W-H-W-W-W-H) starting from D:

D-E-F#-G-A-B-C#-D

D major has two sharps — F# and C#. The F# maintains the whole step between notes 3 and 4, and C# creates the leading tone half step back to D.

This key is a favorite for guitar and violin music due to the open string resonance.

D Major Scale

Study the D major scale ascending. Compare it to G major — both share F#, but D major adds C#.

Play D Major Both Directions

• Play the D major scale ascending and descending
• Remember both sharps: F# and C#
• Compare to G major and notice which notes they share