Chords in the Key of D minor
D minor has 1 flat (B♭). Its seven chords are Dm, E°, F, Gm, Am, B♭, C, and the major A (from the harmonic minor) is often used as the V chord. The relative major is F major.
Click any chord to hear it, play the progressions or download them as MIDI. Click the circle to compare other keys.
D minor scale
D – E – F – G – A – B♭ – C. Key signature: 1 flat (B♭).
All chords in D minor
| Degree | Triad | Notes | 7th chord | Notes | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i | Dm | D – F – A | Dm7 | D – F – A – C | tonic (home) |
| ii° | E° | E – G – B♭ | Em7♭5 | E – G – B♭ – D | subdominant |
| III | F | F – A – C | Fmaj7 | F – A – C – E | relative major |
| iv | Gm | G – B♭ – D | Gm7 | G – B♭ – D – F | subdominant |
| v | Am | A – C – E | Am7 | A – C – E – G | dominant (minor) |
| VI | B♭ | B♭ – D – F | B♭maj7 | B♭ – D – F – A | submediant |
| VII | C | C – E – G | C7 | C – E – G – B♭ | subtonic |
In minor keys the v chord (Am) is often replaced by a major V (A: A – C♯ – E). It borrows the raised 7th (C♯) from the harmonic minor scale and pulls strongly back to Dm.
Common chord progressions in D minor
| Numerals | Chords in D minor |
|---|---|
| i – VI – III – VII | Dm – B♭ – F – C |
| i – VII – VI – VII | Dm – C – B♭ – C |
| i – iv – VI – V | Dm – Gm – B♭ – A |
| i – iv – v – i | Dm – Gm – Am – Dm |
Play them in the circle above, or get progressions from real songs in the chord progressions by genre tool.
Related keys
- Relative major: F major (same notes, different home chord).
- Parallel major: D major (same root; borrow chords from it for colour).
- Neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths: G minor and A minor, one accidental away, for smooth key changes.
The Chord Progression MIDI Pack
72 progressions from hit songs and moods, in all 12 keys: 864 MIDI files for any DAW. Plus The Songwriter's Cheat Sheet (PDF).
Your downloads are ready. The links are on their way to your inbox too.
DOWNLOAD MIDI PACK → CHEAT SHEET PDFWant the same progressions as 7th chords, piano stabs, arpeggios, ballad piano and pads? See MIDI Pack PRO ($9) →
Skip the transposing
MIDI Pack PRO has 113 chord progressions from hit songs, standards and moods in all 12 keys and 6 playing styles (block chords, 7ths, piano stabs, arpeggios, ballad piano, pads): 8,136 MIDI files for $9. The Song Starter MIDI Kit adds bass and drums.
Quick answers
What chords are in the key of D minor?
The chords in D minor are Dm, E°, F, Gm, Am, B♭, C, plus A as a major V chord. As 7th chords: Dm7, Em7♭5, Fmaj7, Gm7, Am7, B♭maj7, C7.
How many flats are in D minor?
D minor has 1 flat (B♭).
What is the relative major of D minor?
F major. Both keys use the same notes and key signature (1 flat (B♭)).
What is the v chord in D minor?
The natural v chord is Am (A – C – E); most songs use the major V, A (A – C♯ – E).