D minor · 7 chords · 1♭

Chords in the Key of D minor

The key of D minor contains the notes D – E – F – G – A – Bb – C. Its seven chords are Dm, Edim, F, Gm, Am, Bb, C.

The seven chords of D minor

These are the triads built on each note of the D minor scale. The numerals show where each chord sits in the key: capital letters are major chords, lowercase letters are minor.

Numeral	Chord	Notes	Function
i	Dm	D – F – A	Tonic
ii°	Edim	E – G – Bb	Supertonic
III	F	F – A – C	Mediant
iv	Gm	G – Bb – D	Subdominant
v	Am	A – C – E	Dominant
VI	Bb	Bb – D – F	Submediant
VII	C	C – E – G	Subtonic

Seventh chords in D minor

Adding the seventh gives a richer, more open sound. These are the seventh chords that fit D minor.

Dm7 Em7b5 Fmaj7 Gm7 Am7 Bbmaj7 C7

Key signature of D minor

D minor has 1 flat: Bb.

The relative major of D minor is F major: it uses exactly the same notes and chords, but feels brighter.

How to use the chords of D minor

Most songs in a minor key start and end on the i chord and lean on the iv and v chords. Try borrowing the major V chord to make the ending pull harder toward the home chord.

Chord progressions in D minor

Popular progressions written out in D minor:

i-VI-III-VII: Dm – Bb – F – C
Andalusian Cadence (i-VII-VI-V): Dm – C – Bb – A
i-iv-v (minor blues): Dm – Gm – Am
i-VI-VII: Dm – Bb – C

Scales to play in D minor

D Natural Minor Scale D Minor Pentatonic Scale D Blues Scale

FAQ

What chords are in the key of D minor?

The chords in D minor are Dm, Edim, F, Gm, Am, Bb, C, which are chords i – ii° – III – iv – v – VI – VII of the key.

What is the relative major of D minor?

It is F major. The two keys share exactly the same notes and chords.

How many sharps or flats are in D minor?