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About the Dm chord

To play D minor, use the first shape above. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the E string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the C string. Leave the A string open. Strum all four strings and check that each one rings cleanly.

Root

D

Quality

Minor

Notes

D · F · A

How the Dm chord works

D

Root(1)

The home note. It gives the chord its name.

F

Minor third(♭3)

The defining minor interval above the root.

A

Perfect fifth(5)

Adds strength and stability.

Play in another way

The same chord can be played in different places on the fretboard. These are called voicings. They use the same notes, but the fingering and sound can feel a little different.

231
5fr4

This chord goes well with

Dm is the home chord in the key of D minor. These chords naturally belong together and are a good place to start when you want to play around D.

DmEdimFGmAmBbC
iii°IIIivvVIVII

Practice with this chord

The best way to learn a chord is to use it. Try Dm in these common progressions:

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Frequently asked questions

How do you play Dm on ukulele?

Use the first shape shown above. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the E string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the C string. Leave the A string open. Strum all four strings and check that each one rings cleanly.

What notes are in Dm?

D minor contains three notes: D, F, and A — the root, minor third, and perfect fifth.

What makes Dm a minor chord?

The F forms a minor third above D, and that defining interval is what makes this chord minor.

What songs use Dm?

Songs that use Dm include All the Things You Are, Satin Doll, Fly Me to the Moon, The Scientist, and Fast Car.

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