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D minor chord

The D minor chord has a deeper, more somber sound. From classical to modern ballads D minor is a common chord in many styles. Skoove is here to help you master it. In this article we will look at how to play the D minor chord, all of its inversions and which fingers to use for each. We will also take a look at some simple chord sequences and some great songs that use a D minor so you can get playing straight away. Let’s get going!

How to play the D minor chord in root position?

To play the D minor (Dm) chord you’ll need three notes: D, F, A. Begin by locating the note D, which is the white key between the two black keys. Once you’ve found it, combine D with F and A to create the D minor chord

d minor chord

The D minor chord consists of three notes: D, F, and A.

These notes are called the root (D), third (F), and fifth (A). Together, they create a sad and thought provoking sound.

To play this chord in its root position (basic form) with your right hand, use these fingers:

  • A – Fifth finger (5)
  • F – Third finger (3)
  • D – Thumb (1)

For the left hand, use the following fingers:

  • A – Thumb (1)
  • F – Third finger (3)
  • D – Fifth finger (5)

What are the inversions of the D minor chord?

The inversions of the D minor piano chord are formed by changing the order the notes of a chord are played. Chord inversions let you play the same chord with a different sound and choose how you feel each note of the triad.

The D minor chord has two inversions:

  • D minor first inversion places the D at the top of the chord, leaving F as the lowest note.
  • D minor second inversion places both the D and F at the top, leaving A as the lowest note.

Let’s break down these inversions further and discover how to play them on the piano.

How to play D minor first inversion?

To play the first inversion of the D minor triad , start with F as the bottom note. Next, play A above it and finally add D as the top note. This gives the chord a new feel which can be great for smooth transitions between chords and livening up progressions.

d minor chord on piano

For the right hand, use these fingers:

  • F – Thumb (1)
  • A – Middle finger (3)
  • D – Fifth finger (5)

For the left hand, use these fingers:

  • F – Fifth finger (5)
  • A – Third finger (3)
  • D – Thumb (1)

How to play D minor second inversion?

To play the second inversion, start with A as the low note. Then play D and add F as the highest note. This inversion is great for setting up a sense of movement in your chord sequences.

d minor chord on piano

For the right hand, use these fingers:

  • A – Thumb (1)
  • D – Middle finger (3)
  • F – Fifth finger (5)

For the left hand, use these fingers:

  • A – Fifth finger (5)
  • D – Third finger (3)
  • F – Thumb (1)

Common chord progression in the key of D minor

The D minor chord progression is used in a lot of music, from rock and pop to jazz, classical and much more. A Dmin chord progression can have chords like Dm, Gm, F and A. Here are some simple D minor chord progressions for you to have a go at:

  • Dm – Gm – F – C
  • Dm – C – Bb – Am
  • Dm – Am – Bb – Gm
  • Dm – Bb – C – F

These chord sequences are a great way to put your knowledge of piano chords to the test. To understand these chord symbols and how to play them, have a go at Skoove’s tailor-made beginner chord progression courses. 

 

 

Play chord progressions

Piano chords generator

💡 If you are reading this from a mobile device, rotate it to display the tool in full width.

 

1. Click on “Chords”
2. Choose the “Root” of the chord
3. Choose the “Chord qualities” (major, minor, etc.)
4. Click “Display”


Author of this blog post:
Matthew Dickman

With over a decade of experience in music education Matthew holds a BA in Music from Paul McCartney’s LIPA and an MA in Composition from the University of Salford. Mathew has developed a distinctive compositional voice and approach to music theory education through his research and work in the music industry. Matthew’s writing for Skoove combines experience from orchestral and media composition, and as a gigging jazz musician, to create a wholistic and accessible pedagogy for musicians of any level. Away from music, he enjoys reading and exploring nature to expand his horizons and knowledge contributing to his holistic teaching style.

Published by the Skoove team

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Updated on October 9, 2025

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