KeysD minor
Key reference · diatonic chords

The Key of D minor

The key of D minor is built on the D minor scale and contains the seven chords Dm, Edim, F, Gm, Am, Bb, and C. Its key signature has 1 flat (Bb).

Below are those chords by scale degree, the progressions they build, and the related scale and key you can reach from here.

Chords in the key of D minor

iDm
ii°Edim
IIIFivGmvAmVIBbVIIC

Common progressions in D minor

i – iv – vDmGmAm
i – VI – VIIDmBbC
i – VII – VI – VIIDmCBbC
ii° – v – iEdimAmDm

The D minor scale on the fretboard →

See every note of the scale this key is built from, mapped across the neck.

Explore keys on the Circle of Fifths →

The free interactive circle shows every key signature and the chords that belong to each key.

Other minor keys

C minorC# minorEb minorE minorF minorF# minorG minorG# minorA minorBb minorB minor

Frequently asked questions

What chords are in the key of D minor?
The key of D minor contains seven chords, one on each note of the scale: Dm, Edim, F, Gm, Am, Bb, and C. In Roman numerals those are i, ii°, III, iv, v, VI, VII.
What is the key signature of D minor?
D minor has 1 flat (Bb). It shares that key signature with its relative major, F major.
What are common chord progressions in D minor?
i – iv – v is Dm – Gm – Am; i – VI – VII is Dm – Bb – C. In minor keys the v chord (Am) is often raised to a major V or V7 for a stronger pull back to the tonic.
What is the relative major of D minor?
The relative major of D minor is F major. It uses the same notes and the same key signature, just starting from a different home note.