When you first glance at the D minor chord it seems simple enough. It seems like it would be an easy chord to play. But looks are deceiving. Lets take a close look at the D minor chord its one of the saddest sounding chords on the guitar. Of course that’s totally a subjective opinion.
You can see on the chord chart that the basic D minor chord or first position chord is played with the notes D A D and F. If you are not familiar with the chord chart. Let me review that real quick for you.
D Minor Chord Chart
The Chart represents the top of the guitar neck as if you were holding the guitar up in the air by the neck. What you can see is the first four frets of the guitar, they are represented by the numbers on the neck, and the horizontal lines. The vertical lines are the six guitar strings.
The thick line at the top of the guitar is the nut of the guitar. Above the nut there are two X this mark indicates do not strike the string. The Dot next to the X indicates pick the string. As well as the other dots in the diagram.
How do You Make D minor Guitar Chord
The Basic D minor chord is played with the notes D A D and F. In the order from bottom to top, or the sixth string down to the high E. Use the chord chart to help you with fingering the D minor chord. The first finger is located on the first string at the first fret.
The second finger is stretched out to the third string at the second fret, and the third finger is positioned on the second string at the third fret. Making the D minor chordmay seem a little foreign to you, but once you have practiced making this chord it will get easier.
The Best Way to Practice the D minor Chord
Once you have your fingers in position on the right fret and string, start from the D string which is the fourth string. There is a great post to learn all the notes on the fretboard. If you need to learn how to know where the notes are on each string click here.
Start on the fourth string, and pick one string at a time. Down to the first string. There are a few things to remember when you are making the chord.
- You should place the tips of your fingers on the strings.
- Thumb position should be at the middle of the guitar neck, not at the top.
- You should be able to see between your hand, and at the bottom of the guitar neck.
We are not attempting to strum at this time. Once your fingers are in place. Pick the strings one string at a time. Use the chord chart to see what strings you are to pick.
It shows X on the sixth and fifth strings, and a Dot on the fourth string. Remember this indicates you pluck or pick the fourth string. Then third, second, and first strings.
Once you have done that if the strings don’t ring out, and sound good then you need to see what the problem is. Take a look to identify what the problem is.
- Either your not holding the string down all the way, and getting a buzzing sound.
- A string is muted due to another finger touching it.
Once you have made the adjustments you are ready to strum. If you need help learning how to strum click here for a great resource.
D minor Chord Notes
Now you know how to make a D minor here are the D minor chord notes. The minor chord is made up of a root, a minor third, and a perfect fifth. 1, 3, 5 or I, III, V.
Here is a D minor scale: D E F G A Bb and C. What we need to find is the root note. Which in this case is the “D”, the root is the tonic of the chord. The “tonic” is the note on which a scale or key is based. Next what is the third? We need to find the third position which is F. Last note we need is the fifth position, which is A.
A simple answer to the question what are the D minor chord notes? D, F, and A.
More Ways to Make D minor Guitar Chord
The next way to make a D minor chord is a barre chord. This is more of the next phase of playing guitar. When you first start playing you learn the first position chords, Basic chords like the D minor chord position previously mentioned. Here is another form of the D minor chord.
This D minor chord form is whats called a fifth string root chord. Why You ask? Because the root note is on the 5th string. It is also a Barre chord. So it is a D minor Barre chord.
Lets look at the chord chart to see how its played. First off you will notice that the chord starts on the fifth fret. This is where the barre is made. So you put your first finger over all the strings from the fifth string down. The fifth string fifth fret is the D note.
If you don’t know where the notes are on the guitar, you can signup, and get a free guide to learn all the notes on the fretboard. You will also get free guitar tips and tricks sent to your inbox each week from the Guitar Essentials Blog.
Next put your second finger on the second string at the sixth fret. Place your third finger on the fourth string seventh fret. Last but not least your fourth finger (pinky) on the third string at the seventh fret.
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You may find that this is a hard chord to play. This is because starting out as a new guitar player the barre chords take a lot of hand strength. Your hand may be a little weak. If you find that this is a hard chord to hold down all the notes, then take a look at this video from the Guitar Essentials Blog. With a little practice you can whip your fingers into shape.
D minor Chord Notes
The notes are as follows; The fifth string, fifth fret is the D, the Root note. Then on the fifth fret at the first string is the A note. On the fourth string seventh fret is another A note. Next the Pinky is holding the third string, seventh fret D note. Last we have the second finger at the sixth fret, second string playing the F note.
Click the link If you want to know more about the 5th string Root Barre chords.
Two More D minor Chords Guitar forms
This D minor chords guitar form starts on the eighth fret of the guitar. The note on the fifth string eighth fret is an F. You play it with your first finger. The fourth string is played, but it is an open D note. Open meaning pick the string, but the string is open. Next is the third, second, and first strings at the tenth fret. Played with the third finger, and it is barred across the three strings. Those notes are F, A, and D respectfully.
The Next D minor chords guitarform
The Next D minor chords guitarform starts on the tenth fret. Barre all the strings on the Tenth fret. Even the sixth string. Then put your third finger on the fifth string at the twelfth fret. Place your Pinky on the fourth string at the twelfth fret.
The notes on the tenth fret are the D on the sixth string. The third, second, and first strings at the tenth fret are F, A, D, respectfully. On the fifth string at the twelfth fret is another A note, and on the fourth string another D note.
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