Notes and intervals of D minor
- D1 · root
- F♭3 · minor third
- A5 · perfect fifth
It shows up in ballads, boleros, pasillos and almost all popular music; in a major key it's usually the relative chord or the second degree.
Progressions with Dm
Minor with a dominant: i – iv – V7 – i
The V7 comes from the harmonic minor scale and is typical of boleros, pasillos and ballads.
Modern minor: i – VI – III – VII
A very common progression in pop and rock, in D natural minor.
Which keys contain D minor?
Dm belongs to 6 keys: in each one it plays a different role depending on the degree (the Roman numeral).
| Key | Degree |
|---|---|
| C major | ii |
| F major | vi |
| B♭ major | iii |
| D natural minor | i |
| G natural minor | v |
| A natural minor | iv |
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D minor chord?
D minor (Dm) has 3 notes: D (root), F (minor third), A (perfect fifth).
How do you play D minor on guitar?
The easiest fingering is in open position: x x 0 2 3 1 (from the 6th to the 1st string). Finger 2 (middle) on fret 2 of the 3rd string (G). Finger 3 (ring) on fret 3 of the 2nd string (B). Finger 1 (index) on fret 1 of the 1st string (E). The 4th string rings open. Don't play the 6th or 5th strings: strum from the 4th string.
What is the difference between D minor and D major?
Only the third changes: D minor uses F and D major uses F♯. That note is what makes the chord sound darker (minor) or brighter (major).
What is the chord symbol for D minor?
It is written Dm; you may also see Dmin or D-. Chord symbols use letter names for notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, and B.