Dm Chord on Guitar (D minor)
Dm is a minor chord with a darker, sad or reflective sound. It contains the notes D – F – A (root + minor third + perfect fifth). Below you will find 3 ways to play it on guitar.
How to play Dm
Position 1: x x 0 2 3 1
- low E: don't play
- A: don't play
- D: open
- G: fret 2
- B: fret 3
- high E: fret 1
Position 2: x 5 7 7 6 5
- low E: don't play
- A: fret 5
- D: fret 7
- G: fret 7
- B: fret 6
- high E: fret 5
Position 3: 10 12 12 10 10 10
- low E: fret 10
- A: fret 12
- D: fret 12
- G: fret 10
- B: fret 10
- high E: fret 10
The first shape is an open chord: it uses open strings, so it is the easiest way to play Dm and rings out the most. Strum only the strings that are not marked with an x.
Chord theory
A minor chord differs from a major chord by only one note: the third is lowered by a half step. That single change gives the chord its darker, more emotional character.
Degrees: 1 = D, ♭3 = F, 5 = A
Using Dm in songs
Minor chords appear on the 2nd, 3rd and 6th degrees of a major key. The 6th-degree minor chord (the relative minor) is especially common in ballads and pop progressions.
Relative major: F