The Key Of D Minor For Guitar

The key of D minor contains the notes: D – E – F – G – A – Bb – C

When assembled in order the notes form the D natural minor scale (aka Aeolian mode). For a quick breakdown of the key differences between the natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scales click here.

Regarded as the saddest key in music by many, D minor is perhaps unfairly labeled as a musical key that evokes a sense of introspection and sorrow. Especially considering in a reader’s poll in Rolling Stone magazine which asked readers to name the saddest songs of all time only one song written in D minor was included, “Nutshell” by Alice in Chains.

Table of Contents

The D Minor Scale Step Pattern

The D minor scale (like all minor scales) follows the step pattern of:
whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole

The D Minor Scale on Guitar

The D minor Scale for Guitar - Chart and Tab

This is just one way to play the D natural minor scale. Keep in mind scales can be played in many different ways.

Chords In The Key Of D Minor

All chords within a minor key such as D minor follow a step pattern of:

minor, diminished, Major, minor, minor, Major, Major

min	dim	Maj	min	min	Maj	Maj
d	e	F	g	a	Bb	C

*Capitalization denotes major

To construct a minor chord, we can start by building a major chord using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes (scale degrees) of the corresponding major scale. For example, in the D major scale, we find the notes D (1), F# (3), and A (5).

To transform this major chord into a minor chord, we introduce a subtle yet significant change, by lowering the F# note (which corresponds to the 3rd scale degree of the major scale) by one-half step (semitone), effectively moving it down one fret on the guitar. This simple modification shifts the chord quality from major to minor, resulting in the notes D (1), F# (b3), and A (5).

Chord	Notes
d minor	D, F, A
e diminished	E, G, Bb
F Major	F, A, C
g minor	G, Bb, D
a minor	A, C, E
Bb Major	Bb, D, F
C Major	C, E, G

7th Chords in D Minor

Seventh chords are four-note chords (unlike triads which contain 3 notes) that include the tonic (1st), third, fifth, and seventh scale degrees of a diatonic scale (a seven-note musical scale consisting of whole and half steps).

The seventh chord quality can vary depending on the type of seventh interval used in the chord. There are several types of seventh chords, each with its unique sound and function in music.

Chord	Notes
d minor 7	D, F, A, C
e minor seventh flat five (em7b5)	E, G, Bb, D
F Major 7	F, A, C, E
g minor 7	G, Bb, D, F
a minor 7	A, C, E, G
Bb Major 7	Bb, D, F, A
C Dominant 7 (C7)	C, E, G, Bb

Chord Function in D Minor

Chords can be categorized into three main functions: tonic, subdominant, and dominant. Tonic chords (i, VI) provide stability. Subdominant chords (iv, ii) introduce some tension but not as much as dominant chords (v, VII) which create the most tension and typically lead to a resolution.

Tonic	Supertonic	Mediant	Subdominant	Dominant	Submediant	Subtonic
i	ii	III	iv	v	VI	VII
dmin	edim	Fmaj	gmin	amin	Bbmaj	Cmaj

* Capitals denote Major chords, lower case denotes minor chords

For example, The i chord (minor tonic) serves as the central point of stability. As it is constructed on the tonic note of the minor scale (e.g., D in the key of D minor) it provides resolution.

Alternatively, In the key of D minor, the dominant chord is A min which creates a strong pull toward the tonic chord, D minor, creating a sense of resolution when the chord progression resolves back to the tonic.

Common Chord Progressions In D Minor

i – VI – VII	dmin – Bbmaj – Cmaj
i – VII – iv- VI	dmin – Cmaj – gmin – Bbmaj
i – v – VI – VII	dmin – amin – Bbmaj – Cmaj
i – III – VII – VI	dmin – Fmaj – Cmaj – Bbmaj
i – v – iv – VII	dmin – amin – gmin – Cmaj

Relative Major

The relative major refers to the major key that shares the same key signature as a minor key. In simple terms, they use the same set of notes, but their tonal centers (the tonic) are different e.g. the relative minor starts on the 6th scale degree of the relative major. In a minor key, the relative major’s tonic note is the 3rd scale degree of the relative minor scale, meaning in the key of D minor, F Major is the relative major.