Minor · Dm
Chord D Minor (Dm)
Dm uses 3 keys, from D4 up to A4, 7 semitones apart.
← Back to the chord dictionaryWhat sets Dm apart on the piano
Dm takes three keys, D, F and A. D is the root, F the minor third and A the fifth. Dm uses no black keys at all.
Counting semitones in Dm, D to F is three and F to A is four. With A4 at 440 Hz, this position sounds D4 at 293.66 Hz, F4 at 349.23 Hz and A4 at 440 Hz.
With the right hand, you build Dm by playing D with the thumb, F with the middle finger and A with the little finger. From D4 to A4 the hand spans seven semitones.
In the first inversion, D moves up an octave and the lowest note becomes F, the minor third. The fingers are 1 - 2 - 5. In the second inversion, F moves up an octave and the lowest note becomes A, the fifth. The fingers are 1 - 3 - 5.
From Dm to D only one key changes. F moves up a semitone to F#. Dm and F have two notes in common, F and A.
You will find Dm in five keys. In F major it is the vi, in C major the ii and in Bb major the iii.
88-Key Keyboard
Listen to and visualize Dm
D Minor (Dm)
MinorRoot position
How to play D Minor (Dm)
- 1D · finger 1Play D4 with finger 1 of your right hand.
- 2F · finger 3Play F4 with finger 3 of your right hand.
- 3A · finger 5Play A4 with finger 5 of your right hand.
Voicings
Inversions of Dm
Across its 3 positions, the lowest note is D, F, and A.
| Position | Notes | Fingering | Lowest note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | D · F · A | 1 - 3 - 5 | D in the bass, the root |
| 1st inversion | F · A · D | 1 - 2 - 5 | F in the bass, the third |
| 2nd inversion | A · D · F | 1 - 3 - 5 | A in the bass, the fifth |
Dm in every key
Dm sits in the scale of 5 keys.
Major keys
Practice Notebook
Step-by-step guide: D Minor (Dm)
- Ear Training: Major/Minor Comparison and Third Recognition
- Accurate Note Reading and Intervals in D Minor
- Visual Orientation on White and Black Keys for D Minor
- Posture and Biomechanics of Both Hands Without Tension
- Root Position and Two Inversions of D Minor
- Concrete Progression with Related Chords
- Common Mistakes, Corrections, and Musical Application
- 10 to 15 Minute Practice with Rhythm, Metronome, and Self-Assessment
Printable sheet for D Minor (Dm)
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