Explore chords · Guitar
D minor chord on guitar (Dm)
Also called or written Dm or Dmin
D minor is built from D, F, and A. Its open shape uses only three fingers, making it one of the first minor chords a beginner learns.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5
- Root positionD–F–ADm×-×-0-2-3-1
- First inversionF–A–DDm/F1-0-0-2-3-1
- Second inversionA–D–FDm/A×-0-0-2-3-1
How do you play a D minor chord on guitar?
D minor is played in open position as × × 0 2 3 1: middle finger on the G string at fret 2, ring finger on the B string at fret 3 and index finger on the high e string at fret 1. The D string rings open. The low E and A strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | muted | — | — |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (1) |
| 3 (G) | 2 | 2 | A (5) |
| 2 (B) | 3 | 3 | D (1) |
| 1 (e) | 1 | 1 | F (♭3) |
BeginnerThe open D string must ring while the index finger frets the high e string, requiring a clean arch to avoid muting.
5th fret
D minor is played at the 5th fret as × 5 7 7 6 5: barre your index finger across fret 5, ring finger on the D string at fret 7, pinky finger on the G string at fret 7 and middle finger on the B string at fret 6. The low E string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | 5 | 1 (barre) | D (1) |
| 4 (D) | 7 | 3 | A (5) |
| 3 (G) | 7 | 4 | D (1) |
| 2 (B) | 6 | 2 | F (♭3) |
| 1 (e) | 5 | 1 (barre) | A (5) |
10th fret
D minor is played at the 10th fret as 10 12 12 10 10 10: barre your index finger across fret 10, ring finger on the A string at fret 12 and pinky finger on the D string at fret 12.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10 | 1 (barre) | D (1) |
| 5 (A) | 12 | 3 | A (5) |
| 4 (D) | 12 | 4 | D (1) |
| 3 (G) | 10 | 1 (barre) | F (♭3) |
| 2 (B) | 10 | 1 (barre) | A (5) |
| 1 (e) | 10 | 1 (barre) | D (1) |
Dmin/F inversion · F on top
D minor is played in open position as 1 0 0 2 3 1: index finger on the low E string at fret 1, ring finger on the G string at fret 2, pinky finger on the B string at fret 3 and middle finger on the high e string at fret 1. The A and D strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 1 | 1 | F (♭3) |
| 5 (A) | open | — | A (5) |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (1) |
| 3 (G) | 2 | 3 | A (5) |
| 2 (B) | 3 | 4 | D (1) |
| 1 (e) | 1 | 2 | F (♭3) |
Dmin/F inversion · D on top
D minor is played in open position as 1 0 3 2 3 ×: index finger on the low E string at fret 1, ring finger on the D string at fret 3, middle finger on the G string at fret 2 and pinky finger on the B string at fret 3. The A string rings open. The high e string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 1 | 1 | F (♭3) |
| 5 (A) | open | — | A (5) |
| 4 (D) | 3 | 3 | F (♭3) |
| 3 (G) | 2 | 2 | A (5) |
| 2 (B) | 3 | 4 | D (1) |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
Why it sounds like that
D minor uses the formula 1, ♭3, 5. The minor 3rd between D and F gives the chord its somber character. Raising that F to F♯ creates D major, the closest contrast.
What goes wrong with D minor?
- Letting the low E or A string sound; rest your thumb lightly on them to mute.
- Flattening the middle finger so it touches the open D string.
- Pressing the ring finger too far from the fret, causing the B string to buzz.
When to use it
D minor is the vi chord in F major, appearing in the I–V–vi–IV progression: F major–C major–D minor–B♭ major. Its melancholy tone suits folk, classical, and ballads.
Changing to and from D minor
- From D minor, move your index finger to the A string fret 1 and add your middle finger on the D string fret 2 for F major.
- Sliding the 5th-fret barre shape down two frets to the 3rd fret gives C minor.
Which voicing to use
The open shape is the go-to for beginners, with D in the bass and a bright, ringing quality. The Dmin/F inversion at the 1st fret adds F in the bass for a darker, more grounded sound.
Other D chords
Common questions
What is the difference between D minor and D major?
D minor has a minor 3rd (F), while D major has a major 3rd (F♯). The minor 3rd makes the chord sound sadder and more subdued.
Why are the low E and A strings muted in the open shape?
The low E string is muted because E is not a chord tone. The A string is muted to keep D as the bass note, not because A clashes.
Can I play D minor as a barre chord?
Yes, the 5th-fret barre shape uses the same notes with D in the bass. It is movable and useful for higher-register playing.
How is D minor written in chord symbols?
D minor is written as Dm, Dmin, D−, or Dmi. All four symbols mean the same chord.