D#m on piano: root position and inversions
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Root position D♯ – F♯ – A♯ -
1st inversion F♯ – A♯ – D♯ -
2nd inversion A♯ – D♯ – F♯
How to play D#m on piano
- D♯ is the black key between D and E. That is the root.
- Add F♯ (minor 3rd above) and A♯ (perfect 5th above): press D♯, F♯ and A♯ together.
- Right hand: thumb (1) on D♯, middle finger (3) on F♯, little finger (5) on A♯. Left hand: little finger (5), middle finger (3), thumb (1).
- For a smoother change between chords, try an inversion (the same notes with a different one at the bottom), shown above.
Finger numbers: 1 thumb to 5 little finger. Fingering varies with hand size; these are common defaults.
D#m 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: D♯m/F♯ (1st inversion) and D♯m/A♯ (2nd inversion).
D#m on guitar and ukulele
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D♯m on guitar xx1342 -
D♯m on ukulele 3321
Which keys use D#m?
D♯m is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| D♭ major | E♭m | ii | predominant |
| B major | D♯m | iii | tonic or dominant |
| G♯ minor | D♯m | v | dominant |
| B♭ minor | E♭m | iv | predominant |
| F♯ major | D♯m | vi | tonic |
| D♯ minor | D♯m | i | tonic |
Progressions with D#m
- I–V–vi–IV in F♯ major: F♯ – C♯ – D♯m – B The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in F♯ major: D♯m – B – F♯ – C♯ The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in F♯ major: F♯ – D♯m – B – C♯ The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in F♯ major: F♯ – B – D♯m – 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.