D minor (Dm) chord on piano

Looking for the Dm chord on piano? It is a minor triad, made of three notes: D – F – A.

Root position: D4 – F4 – A4

What the Dm chord sounds like

A minor triad differs from a major one only in the third: it has a minor third, which gives it a darker, sadder colour. In a major key, chords ii, iii and vi are minor.

Notes of the Dm chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	D	root
3	F	minor third (3 semitones)
5	A	perfect fifth (7 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

D4 – F4 – A4

1st inversion

F4 – A4 – D5

2nd inversion

A4 – D5 – F5

Which keys is it in?

The Dm chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

D minor: i (tonic)
G minor: v (dominant)
A minor: iv (subdominant)
B♭ major: iii
F major: vi
C major: ii

Similar chords and substitutes

If Dm is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

F – relative major: two shared notes
B♭ – the major chord a major third below: two shared notes
Dm7 – a fuller, softer minor colour

Richer versions

Dm7 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
Dm6 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
Dm9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the Dm chord?

D, F, A. The root is D; the intervals of the other notes from the root: minor third, perfect fifth.

How do I play the Dm chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the Dm chord written?

The chord symbol is Dm, and its full name is D minor.