The D major scale IV chord is the G major (Gmaj) chord. This chord is built on the fourth degree of the D major scale.
Understanding the IV Chord
In music theory, Roman numerals are used to identify chords within a scale. The "IV" chord refers to the chord built on the fourth note (or degree) of the major scale. For the D major scale, the notes are:
| Degree | Note |
|---|---|
| I | D |
| II | E |
| III | F# |
| IV | G |
| V | A |
| VI | B |
| VII | C# |
As shown, the fourth note in the D major scale is G. Therefore, the IV chord in D major is a G major chord.
Constructing the G Major Chord
A major chord is typically a triad, meaning it consists of three notes: the root, the major third, and the perfect fifth.
- Root: The first note of the chord, which is G.
- Major Third: The note four semitones above the root. From G, four semitones up is B.
- Perfect Fifth: The note seven semitones above the root. From G, seven semitones up is D.
Thus, the notes that make up the G major (Gmaj) chord are G, B, and D.
| Chord Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| G major | G, B, D |
The G Major Seventh (Gmaj7) Chord
When extending a triad to a seventh chord, an additional note, the seventh, is added. For a major seventh chord (maj7), a major seventh interval (eleven semitones above the root) is added to the major triad.
In the case of the G major scale, the major seventh note is F#. Therefore, the G major seventh (Gmaj7) chord includes the notes of the G major triad plus an F#.
- Gmaj7 Notes: G, B, D, F#
| Chord Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Gmaj7 | G, B, D, F# |
The IV chord plays a significant role in various musical progressions, often creating a sense of resolution or leading to the tonic (I chord).
