Keys: chords and scales

Chords in the key of D minor

The key of D minor has one flat in the key signature (B♭). Its scale is D – E – F – G – A – B♭ – C and its seven chords are Dm, Edim, F, Gm, Am, B♭ and C. Its relative key is F major.

The chords in the key

Each note of the scale builds a chord. The four-note versions add the seventh.

DegreeChordNotesRoleWith seventh
i Dm D – F – A Tonic: home Dm7
ii° Edim E – G – B♭ Subdominant —
III F F – A – C Relative major Fmaj7
iv Gm G – B♭ – D Subdominant Gm7
v Am A – C – E Minor dominant Am7
VI B♭ B♭ – D – F Subdominant (epic colour) B♭maj7
VII C C – E – G Subtonic C7

Scale

D – E – F – G – A – B♭ – C

With a capo

To make a song sound in D minor with easy open shapes:

  • Capo on fret 5: play the shapes of A minor

Frequently asked questions

What chords are in the key of D minor?

Its seven chords are Dm, Edim, F, Gm, Am, B♭ and C.

How many sharps or flats does D minor have?

It has one flat in the key signature (B♭).

What is the relative key of D minor?

Its relative key is F major: they share the same notes and chords.

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