D Minor

Dm

Notes

D · F · A

Intervals

  • RootD (1P)
  • Minor 3rdF (3m)
  • Perfect 5thA (5P)

Fretboard

EBGDAE357912FADDFAADFDFADADFAFAD

About

The D minor triad (DFA) lowers the third by a half step, introducing a darker, more inward quality. It functions as the tonic of D minor or as ii in C major. The F is the defining tone — it is what separates minor from major and from any sus chord that omits the third entirely. On guitar, the fifth can be omitted or doubled freely; root and ♭3 together are sufficient to establish the minor sound. Minor chords commonly precede dominants (Dm7→G7CMaj7 as ii–V–I) or move within minor diatonic harmony. Compared to Ddim, minor is stable due to its perfect fifth; compared to D, it carries a more subdued, reflective quality.

Open in visualizer →

Adjust labels, frets, and palette in the interactive view.