Piano chord
DmD minor
- D1
- F♭3
- A5
- Notes
- 3
- Positions
- 3
- Span
- 7semitones
- Fingers
- 1-3-5
How to play Dm on piano
- Find D: it is the root and the lowest note of the chord in root position.
- Right hand: 1 on D, 3 on F, 5 on A.
- Or with the left hand: 5 on D, 3 on F, 1 on A.
- Press the keys together, with curved fingers and a loose wrist, and let them ring.
Root position · D – F – A
1st inversion · F – A – D
2nd inversion · A – D – F
Numbers on the keys are fingers: 1 thumb, 2 index, 3 middle, 4 ring, 5 little finger.
Dm inversions
Dm can be played in 3 positions. In root position D is at the bottom; each inversion moves the lowest note up an octave, so another chord tone becomes the bass.
- Root positionbass: DRight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 1st inversionbass: FRight hand 1-2-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 2nd inversionbass: ARight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-2-1
Chords that go with Dm
The other chords of D minor, the key where Dm is home (i). Songs in this key move between them.
Dm with two hands
A full sound: the left hand plays D an octave lower, the right hand plays D–F–A.
Dm on other instruments
About the Dm chord
D minor has 3 notes: D (1), F (♭3), A (5). A minor triad: the third is lowered by a semitone, which gives it the darker, softer sound. Move the middle key one key down from the major chord and you have it.
On the keyboard, start from D and add the other notes above it: D – F – A. From the lowest to the highest key that is 7 semitones. That is less than an octave, so Dm sits comfortably under one hand.
Each inversion of Dm puts a different note in the bass. In the 1st inversion the bass is F (F–A–D). In the 2nd inversion the bass is A (A–D–F).
Dm is Dm7 without C.
Keys that contain Dm: C major (ii), F major (vi), B flat major (iii), A minor (iv), D minor (i).
Questions
What notes are in the Dm chord?
Dm (D minor) has 3 notes: D (1), F (♭3), A (5).
How many inversions does Dm have?
Dm can be played in 3 positions: Root position (D–F–A); 1st inversion (F–A–D); 2nd inversion (A–D–F).
What is the difference between Dm and Dm7?
Dm is Dm7 without C.
Can I play Dm with one hand?
Yes. In root position Dm spans 7 semitones, less than an octave, so one hand holds it easily.