Do Re MiC D E

When The Sun Comes Out

Arlen Harold4/4ballad

Chord Diagrams — When The Sun Comes Out in D (Guitar)

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When The Sun Comes Out 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 G to F (descending whole step), F to E (descending half step), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to G# (descending half step), G# to A (ascending half step), A to A (ascending unison), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to F# (ascending tritone), F# to B (ascending perfect fourth), B to D (ascending minor third), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to B (ascending major third), B to F# (descending perfect fourth), F# to B (ascending perfect fourth), B to F# (descending perfect fourth), F# to E (descending whole step), E to D (descending whole step). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The root motion by larger intervals (fourths and fifths) gives each chord change a strong, decisive character. When the progression loops, the bass returns from D to G by perfect fourth.

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.

ballad4/4 · 38 bars · Form: ABAC

Chords: G7, F7, Em7, A7, G♯dim7, A7sus4, Am7, D7, Gmaj7, C7, F♯m7, B7, Dmaj7, G7♯11, Bm7, F♯m7♭5, B7♭9, F♯7, E7, D6.

Scales for Improvisation D bebop, D bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of D