Explore chords · Bass
D minor 6th chord on bass (Dm6)
Also called or written Dm6, Dmin6, Dmin maj6 or D Minor Major 6
D minor 6th is built from D, F, A, and B. The 1-2-0-2 shape includes an open string, easing the stretch.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6
How do you play a D minor 6th chord on bass?
D minor 6th is played in open position as 1 2 0 2: index finger on the E string at fret 1, middle finger on the A string at fret 2 and ring finger on the G string at fret 2. The D string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1 | 1 | F (♭3) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (6) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (1) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 3 | A (5) |
AdvancedThe open D string must ring clearly while the index and middle fingers fret nearby notes.
Dmin6/F inversion · fret 12
D minor 6th is played at the 12th fret as 13 14 12 14: middle finger on the E string at fret 13, ring finger on the A string at fret 14, index finger on the D string at fret 12 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 14.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 13 | 2 | F (♭3) |
| 3 (A) | 14 | 3 | B (6) |
| 2 (D) | 12 | 1 | D (1) |
| 1 (G) | 14 | 4 | A (5) |
Dmin6/A inversion
D minor 6th is played at the 3rd fret as 5 5 3 4: ring finger on the E string at fret 5, pinky finger on the A string at fret 5, index finger on the D string at fret 3 and middle finger on the G string at fret 4.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5 | 3 | A (5) |
| 3 (A) | 5 | 4 | D (1) |
| 2 (D) | 3 | 1 | F (♭3) |
| 1 (G) | 4 | 2 | B (6) |
Dmin6/B inversion
D minor 6th is played at the 7th fret as 7 8 7 7: index finger on the E string at fret 7, pinky finger on the A string at fret 8, middle finger on the D string at fret 7 and ring finger on the G string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7 | 1 | B (6) |
| 3 (A) | 8 | 4 | F (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | 7 | 2 | A (5) |
| 1 (G) | 7 | 3 | D (1) |
Why it sounds like that
D minor 6th uses the 1, ♭3, 5, 6 formula, adding B to the D minor triad. The major sixth interval gives it a bright, unresolved color. Compare with D minor to hear the difference.
What goes wrong with D minor 6th?
- Letting the index finger collapse and buzz the 4th string.
- Allowing the ring finger to touch the 1st string, deadening the B.
- Strumming the open 5th string, which adds an unwanted D.
When to use it
D minor 6th works as a tonic in D minor progressions, especially in jazz and blues. Try it in a i–iv–v with D minor and A minor. It also suits dorian grooves.
Changing to and from D minor 6th
- D minor 6th has open strings and does not slide. Keep the index finger on fret 1 when moving to E minor 6th.
Which voicing to use
The F inversion at fret 1 puts the ♭3 in the bass, softening the chord. The B inversion at fret 7 gives a brighter, more open sound. Choose the A inversion at fret 5 for a middle register.
Other D chords
Common questions
How is D minor 6th written?
D minor 6th is written Dm6, min maj6, or Dmin6. It is also called Minor Major 6.
What is the difference between D minor 6th and D minor 7th?
D minor 6th has B, while D minor 7th has C. The sixth creates a brighter, more melodic tension than the seventh. Use minor 6th for a dorian or melodic minor sound.
Can I play D minor 6th with a barre?
The supplied positions do not use a barre. The finger plan assigns one finger per string. A barre would make the stretch harder.
Why does the B inversion sound different?
The B inversion puts the sixth in the bass, creating a first-inversion feel. It is less stable than the F inversion and works well as a passing chord.