Avalon in D

V. Rose()swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
A13♭9

Chord Diagrams — Avalon in D (Guitar)

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Avalon in D

Key of D

D major is one of guitar's most resonant keys. The open D string acts as a droning root, and the open A string provides the fifth. This gives D-based strumming a wide, ringing quality that flatpicks and fingerpicks love. D is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open D and A strings provide a powerful bass foundation, and the open high E is the 2nd scale degree adding brightness. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through A to A (ascending unison), A to E (descending perfect fourth), E to D (descending whole step), D to C# (descending half step), C# to C (descending half step), C to B (descending half step), B to F# (descending perfect fourth), F# to E (descending whole step), E to E (ascending unison), E to F# (ascending whole step), F# to A (ascending minor third). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The predominantly stepwise bass motion creates smooth, connected voice leading. When the progression loops, the bass returns from A to A by unison.

Scales for Improvisation

D major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, D Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.

swing4/4 · 33 bars · Form: A

Chords: A7, Adim7, Em7, D6, C♯7, C7, B7, F♯m7♭5, EmMaj7, Em7♭5, F♯m7, A13♭9.

Scales for Improvisation D bebop, D bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of D