D minor 7th chord on piano
Dm7 is a minor 7th chord built on D. It uses the notes D - F - A - C and sounds mellow and smooth, common in soul, R&B and jazz.
- Notes
- D F A C
- Formula
- 1 - ♭3 - 5 - ♭7
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 2 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 2 - 1
- Chord symbol
- Dm7
How to play Dm7 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.
- Add C, 10 half steps above D.
- Press all 4 keys together with fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
Dm7 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.
Songs that use Dm7
Practice Dm7 inside real music. These tutorials use it in the left-hand accompaniment:
- Prelude in C Major (easy-intermediate, C major)
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D minor 7th chord?
The D minor 7th chord (Dm7) contains 4 notes: D, F, A, C. Its formula is 1 - ♭3 - 5 - ♭7.
How do you play Dm7 on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on D and play D, F, A, C together using fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 2 - 1.