How to play Dm7: a minor 7th built on D, with 5 ways to play it, the notes, the keys it belongs to, and songs that use it.
The first diagram is a common voicing: an open-position shape using 1 open string, played near the nut. An X above a string means don't play it; an O means play it open.
Frets from the low E string to the high E string: x x 0 2 1 1 (x = not played). Fingers: x x 0 2 1 1 (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 pinky, T thumb).
This fingering is one good option, not the only one. If another finger feels more comfortable for your hand, or sets up the chord before or after more easily, use it.
| Note | D | F | A | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | R | b3 | 5 | b7 |
Dm7 is a minor 7th with D as its root. The full theoretical spelling is D, F, A, C. This voicing sounds every chord tone.
Dm7 is a diatonic chord (built from the key's own notes) in 3 major keys and 3 minor keys. The roman numeral is the chord's place in that key; tap a key for all of its chords.
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Dm7 is spelled D, F, A, C: the root, minor 3rd, 5th, flat 7th. The common guitar voicing sounds every one of them.
Frets from the low E string to the high E string: x x 0 2 1 1 (x means the string is not played). Fingers: x x 0 2 1 1 (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 pinky, T thumb). Lay your 1st finger (index) across the B string to the high E string at the 1st fret (a barre). Your 2nd finger (middle) goes on the G string at the 2nd fret. The D string rings open. Strum from the D string down; the low E and A strings stay silent. The fingering is one good option; if another finger feels more comfortable or suits the chords around it, use that.
Dm7 belongs to 6 keys: C major (the ii chord), F major (the vi chord), Bb major (the iii chord), D minor (the i), A minor (the iv) and G minor (the v).
