Dm6 Chord (D minor 6th) on Guitar
Dm6 (D minor 6th) is made of the notes D – F – A – B. The easiest guitar fingering is xx0201 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it comfortable to play.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Dm6
- Play the 4th string (D) open (D).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2 (A).
- Play the 2nd string (B) open (B).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 1 (F).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 5th string (A).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | x (mute) | - | |
| 4th string (D) | 0 (open) | D | R |
| 3rd string (G) | 2 | A | 5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 0 (open) | B | 6 |
| 1st string (high e) | 1 | F | b3 |
What is a D minor 6th chord?
A minor 6th chord adds the major sixth to a minor triad.
Notes and formula. Dm6 contains D, F, A, B. Counted from the root D, that is R (root), b3 (minor 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 6 (major 6th).
Sound. Mysterious and film-noir. It is minor, but with an unexpected lift on top.
Where it is used. Used in jazz, bossa nova, gypsy jazz and cinematic music, often as a stand-in for the plain minor chord.
Tips for playing Dm6
Try it as the first chord in a minor song for an instant dramatic mood.
Common mistake: Mixing it up with the minor 7th. The major 6th sits a half step below the flat 7th, so the two chords sound close but not identical.
Scales to play over Dm6
Related chords
Dm6 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Dm6 chord?
Dm6 (D minor 6th) contains the notes D, F, A, B. The formula is R–b3–5–6 relative to the root D.
How do you play Dm6 on guitar?
The most common shape for Dm6 is xx0201, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it comfortable to play.
Is Dm6 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it comfortable to play.
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