All 4 ways to play Dm on guitar
-
xx0231 open position -
x57765 at the 5th fret -
xxx76x at the 6th fret -
10-12-12-10-10-10 at the 10th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play Dm on guitar
Main shape: xx0231 (open position).
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Put your index finger (1) on the 1st fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Let the D (4th) string ring open (marked O).
- Don't play the low E (6th) or A (5th) strings (marked X).
- Strum from the D (4th) string down (4 strings).
Dm notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| D | 1 | root |
| F | ♭3 | minor 3rd |
| A | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: Dm/F (1st inversion) and Dm/A (2nd inversion).
Dm on piano and ukulele
-
Dm piano chord D – F – A -
Dm on ukulele 2210
Which keys use Dm?
Dm is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| C major | Dm | ii | predominant |
| A minor | Dm | iv | predominant |
| F major | Dm | vi | tonic |
| D minor | Dm | i | tonic |
| B♭ major | Dm | iii | tonic or dominant |
| G minor | Dm | v | dominant |
Progressions with Dm
- I–V–vi–IV in F major: F – C – Dm – B♭ The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in F major: Dm – B♭ – F – C The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in F major: F – Dm – B♭ – C The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in F major: F – B♭ – Dm – C The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.
- I–iii–IV–iv in B♭ major: B♭ – Dm – E♭ – E♭m Ends on the minor iv, borrowed from the minor key.