What is D Minor?
The D Minor guitar chord is formed by the notes D – F – A and is played using the fingering xx0231. It’s a minor chord commonly used in Dm-Am-Bb-F.
D Minor Chord Diagram
Standard Position
6th (E) string: Don't play
5th (A) string: Don't play
4th (D) string: Open
3rd (G) string: 2th fret
2nd (B) string: 3th fret
1st (E) string: 1th fret
How to Play D Minor
- Place fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram xx0231.
- Arch fingers so they don’t touch adjacent strings; keep thumb behind the neck.
- Pick each string to check for buzz or mute; adjust pressure and curl.
- Strum slow down-strums; add down–down–up–up–down–up when clean.
Pro Tip: Practice chord changes with a metronome at 70–90 BPM for one-minute rounds.
D Minor Variations
Dm (Standard)
xx0231
Classic D minor - the saddest chord shape
Dm7
xx0211
Add 7th for jazzy, sophisticated sound
Dm9
x5355x
Extended voicing for modern, atmospheric sound
Dm/F
1x0231
First inversion with F in bass for smoother progressions
Popular Songs Using D Minor
Famous Examples:
- • Stairway to Heaven
- • Scarred
- • Eleanor Rigby
More Hits:
- • While My Guitar Gently Weeps
- • Mad World
Common Chord Progressions with D Minor
Dm-Am-Bb-F
Classic minor progression with resolution to relative major
Dm-Gm-A-Dm
Circle progression that returns to home chord
Dm-C-Bb-F
Mixed major/minor progression for emotional depth
Practice Tips for D Minor
1. Finger Positioning
Use index finger (1st fret B), middle finger (2nd fret G), ring finger (3rd fret high E). Keep fingers curved.
2. Common Fingering Challenge
The stretch between 1st and 3rd frets can be difficult. Practice slowly and build finger independence.
3. Emotional Expression
D minor is known as the 'saddest chord' - practice dynamics and vibrato for emotional expression.
4. Smooth Transitions
Practice Dm to F (easy - relative major), Dm to Am (common), and Dm to Bb (challenging).
Chord Family: C Major
D Minor functions as ii in the key of C Major.
Music Theory Behind D Minor
Notes in D Minor: D - F - A
Scale: D - E - F - G - A - Bb - C - D
Key Signature: 1 flat (Bb)
Relative Major: F major
D minor is often called the 'saddest chord' due to its rich, melancholic sound. It's the relative minor of F major, sharing the same key signature. The chord is built from the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the D minor scale, creating emotional depth perfect for ballads and introspective music.
Master D Minor Today!
D Minor is perfect for beginners. Practice daily and you'll have it mastered in no time!