How to Play D Major and Minor

Like any set of major and minor chords, D major and D minor are relatively similar. To play them both interchangeably, locate the D on the piano and flesh out the major chord, then change fingering slightly to form the minor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Locate a D key on the piano. D is the note one step above C. For an easy way to find C, look at the collections of black half-step keys on the piano. There are sets of two and sets of three alternating across the keyboard. Look for the white key just to the right of the first black key in the set of two. That's C. The note in the middle of the set of two black keys is D.

2. Find the F sharp to the left of the D. It will be the first black key in the set of three.

3. Round out the D major chord with the A. This will be the white key four white keys to the left of the D key.

4. Play the D, F sharp, and A together for a D major chord.

5. To make the chord minor, change the F sharp to an F. This means taking your finger from the black key to the white key just below it. Your fingers will be evenly spaced on three white keys with a white key in between each one.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with play styles. To get good at playing piano chords, you'll need to work on technique. Try playing one of the chord's notes at a time in a rotating, three-step cycle. Then play all three at once.