Dm7 Guitar Chord
D Minor 7th · D–F–A–C
Dm7 is the D minor 7th chord: D–F–A–C. Its sound is mellow and soulful — softer than a plain minor chord, at home in funk, R&B, and jazz ii–V–I progressions.
Dm7 softens the D minor triad with a ♭7 (C). It's the standard ii chord in C major — the first chord of the ii–V–I, jazz's most important progression — and a staple of funk vamps and R&B ballads.
The easiest way to play Dm7 is the open-position shape (x x 0 2 1 1, low E string to high E string), which uses open strings and stays in the first few frets. Below you'll find 6 ways to play it across the neck, from open position to barre and shell voicings, with the theory behind the chord and the progressions it lives in.
How to Play Dm7: 6 Voicings
Frets are listed from the low E string to the high E string. x = don't play that string, 0 = open string.
Dm7 Chord Theory
| Interval | R | ♭3 | 5 | ♭7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | D | F | A | C |
Dm7 is built from the D minor scale.
Dm7 Chord FAQ
What notes are in the Dm7 chord?
Dm7 contains 4 notes: D (R), F (♭3), A (5), C (♭7). The interval formula for a minor 7th chord is R–♭3–5–♭7.
What is the easiest way to play Dm7 on guitar?
Use the open-position shape: x x 0 2 1 1 (frets listed from the low E string to the high E string, x = don't play that string). It uses open strings, so it needs the least finger strength.
Is Dm7 a major or minor chord?
Dm7 is built on a minor triad (D–F–A) with the ♭7 added, so it behaves as a minor-family chord.
What keys use the Dm7 chord?
Dm7 appears diatonically in F major (as vi), C major (as ii), and Bb major (as iii) — plus it's the home chord (i) of D minor.
Related Chords
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