The D Major scale contains two sharps – F# and C#.
The notes in the key of D are as follows:
D – E – F# – G – A – B – C#
If you are interested in learning about modes and guitar scales, it should be pointed out that the D major scale is effectively the same scale as the D ionian scale. For the purpose of the series of lessons on guitar modes, we are going to treat D ionian and D major as an identical scale.
If you are unsure of what a major scale or ionian mode is, please read the post, what is a major scale?
Positions On The Guitar:
The open position of the D Major scale looks like this:
As with all Major scales on the guitar, there are 5 main shapes that can be used to play the D Major Scale:
The first one is in the 2nd position (the lowest fret is fret 2)
The next one is in the 3rd position (the lowest fret is fret 3)
The next one is in the 6th position (the lowest fret is fret 6)
The next one is in the 9th position (the lowest fret is fret 9)
The next one is in the 10th position (the lowest fret is fret 10)
There are all the D Major scale positions on the fretboard. D is another good scale to get familiar with as many songs that are written on guitar are played in the key of D. This is most likely because the key of D contains a lot of chords that can be played in the open position on the guitar. For example, many songs use the 3 chords – D, G and A.
For more information on major scales check out the post a complete guide to major scales on the guitar.
Also check out the post, guitar modes explained.
Here are the 7 modes in the key of C Major: