D minor chord on piano
Dm is a minor chord built on D. It uses the notes D - F - A and sounds darker, softer and more emotional.
- Notes
- D F A
- Formula
- 1 - ♭3 - 5
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 1
- Chord symbol
- Dm
How to play Dm step by step
- Find D. D is the white key between the two black keys.
- Add F, 3 half steps above D.
- Add A, 7 half steps above D.
- Press all 3 keys together with fingers 1 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
Dm inversions
An inversion uses the same notes in a different order. Inversions let your hand move less between chords, which is how pianists make chord changes sound smooth.
Which keys use the Dm chord?
Knowing where a chord lives helps you guess the next chord in a song. Dm appears naturally in these keys:
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D minor chord?
The D minor chord (Dm) contains 3 notes: D, F, A. Its formula is 1 - ♭3 - 5.
How do you play Dm on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on D and play D, F, A together using fingers 1 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 1.