Take The A Train in D

Take The A Train in D

Take The A Train in D with chords DMaj7 – E7 – Em7 – A7 – GMaj7. Billy Strayhorn's signature Duke Ellington Orchestra theme features bright major key harmony with a distinctive #IV chord. Practice chord voicings, scales, and audio playback in D.

Take The A Train in 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 D to E (ascending whole step), E to E (ascending unison), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to G (descending whole step). The predominantly stepwise bass motion creates smooth, connected voice leading. When the progression loops, the bass returns from G to D 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.