Explore chords · Ukulele
D minor 6th chord on ukulele (Dm6)
Also called or written Dm6, Dmin6, Dmin maj6 or D Minor Major 6
D minor 6th contains D, F, A, and B. The 7th fret grip shifts the A minor 6th shape up five frets, with the pinky at the 9th fret.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6
- Root positionD–F–A–BDm62-2-1-2
- First inversionF–A–B–DDm6/F4-5-5-5
- Second inversionA–B–D–FDm6/A7-9-7-8
- Third inversionB–D–F–ADm6/B10-11-10-12
How do you play a D minor 6th chord on ukulele?
D minor 6th is played at the 7th fret as 7 9 7 8: index finger on the G string at fret 7, pinky finger on the C string at fret 9, middle finger on the E string at fret 7 and ring finger on the A string at fret 8.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 1 | D (1) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 4 | A (5) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 2 | B (6) |
| 1 (A) | 8 | 3 | F (♭3) |
AdvancedThe pinky stretches to the 9th fret on the C string while the index and middle hold the 7th fret, requiring a wide reach.
Dmin6/B inversion
D minor 6th is played at the 10th fret as 10 11 10 12: index finger on the G string at fret 10, ring finger on the C string at fret 11, middle finger on the E string at fret 10 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 12.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10 | 1 | F (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 3 | B (6) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 2 | D (1) |
| 1 (A) | 12 | 4 | A (5) |
1st fret
D minor 6th is played at the 1st fret as 2 2 1 2: middle finger on the G string at fret 2, ring finger on the C string at fret 2, index finger on the E string at fret 1 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 2.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 2 | A (5) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 3 | D (1) |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 1 | F (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 4 | B (6) |
Dmin6/F inversion
D minor 6th is played at the 4th fret as 4 5 5 5: index finger on the G string at fret 4, middle finger on the C string at fret 5, ring finger on the E string at fret 5 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 5.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 1 | B (6) |
| 3 (C) | 5 | 2 | F (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 3 | A (5) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 4 | D (1) |
Why it sounds like that
D minor 6th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6. The major 6th from D to B gives the chord its bright edge. Compare D minor, which omits the 6th.
What goes wrong with D minor 6th?
- Letting the pinky mute the E string.
- Pressing the index finger too hard, which sharpens the G string.
- Failing to keep the ring finger clear of the C string.
When to use it
D minor 6th acts as a tonic in D minor and colours D minor and D 5th chords. It fits jazz and folk minor lines.
Changing to and from D minor 6th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 5th fret gives C minor 6th.
- From D minor, add the ring finger on the A string, 8th fret.
Which voicing to use
The 7th fret position keeps D in the bass and suits closed-position playing. The Dmin6/F inversion at the 10th fret moves the bass to F, giving a warmer sound.
Other D chords
Common questions
How is D minor 6th written?
D minor 6th is written Dm6, min maj6, or Dmin6.
What is the difference between D minor 6th and D minor 7th?
D minor 6th has a major 6th (B), while D minor 7th has a minor 7th (C). The 6th gives a brighter colour.
Can D minor 6th be played with open strings?
Yes, the Dmin6/A inversion at the 2nd fret uses open strings, but the default 7th fret position has no open strings.