The key of D minor has 1 flat (B♭). The notes of the scale are D, E, F, G, A, B♭, C and its diatonic chords are Dm, E°, F, Gm, Am, Bb, C.
D minor scale
Natural minor scale: D · E · F · G · A · B♭ · C · D
Harmonic minor (7th degree raised a half step): D · E · F · G · A · B♭ · C♯ · D
Melodic minor (6th and 7th raised, going up): D · E · F · G · A · B · C♯ · D
The chords (triads)
| Degree | Symbol | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | Dm | D F A | |
| ii° | E° | E G B♭ | |
| III | F | F A C | |
| iv | Gm | G B♭ D | |
| v | Am | A C E | |
| VI | Bb | B♭ D F | |
| VII | C | C E G | |
| V | A | A C♯ E |
In practice, minor keys almost always use A (a major chord, from the harmonic minor scale) as the dominant, because it pulls strongly to Dm.
Seventh chords
| Degree | Symbol | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | Dm7 | D F A C | |
| ii° | Em7(b5) | E G B♭ D | |
| III | F7M | F A C E | |
| iv | Gm7 | G B♭ D F | |
| v | Am7 | A C E G | |
| VI | Bb7M | B♭ D F A | |
| VII | C7 | C E G B♭ | |
| V7 | A7 | A C♯ E G |
Common progressions in D minor
- Dm – Gm – A – Dm (i – iv – V – i)
- Dm – Bb – F – C (i – VI – III – VII)
- E° – A – Dm (ii° – V – i)
- Dm – C – Bb – A (i – VII – VI – V)
Relative key
The relative major of D minor is F major: same notes, starting from F.
Chords in other keys
Major keys: C major · G major · D major · A major · E major · B major · F♯ major · G♭ major · D♭ major · A♭ major · E♭ major · B♭ major · F major
Minor keys: A minor · E minor · B minor · F♯ minor · C♯ minor · G♯ minor · E♭ minor · B♭ minor · F minor · C minor · G minor · D minor
Learn how it works in diatonic chords: the complete guide and practice the scales in the app with your microphone.
Frequently asked questions
What chords are in the key of D minor?
In the natural minor: Dm, E°, F, Gm, Am, Bb, C. In practice the major A is also used as the dominant.
What is the difference between natural, harmonic and melodic minor?
Harmonic minor raises the 7th a half step (C♯); melodic minor raises the 6th and 7th (B and C♯) going up.
What is the relative major of D minor?
F major, which uses the same notes.