Chords in the key of D minor on ukulele
The chords in the key of D minor are built from the notes of the scale: Dm, Edim, F, Gm, Am, Bb, C. Almost every song in this key uses only these, with the dominant A7 leading back to Dm.
The chords of the key
- Dmi
- Edimii°
- FIII
- Gmiv
- Amv
- AV
- A7V7
- BbVI
- CVII
| Degree | Chord | Function |
|---|---|---|
| i | Dm | tonic (rest) |
| ii° | Edim | subdominant (moves away) |
| III | F | tonic (rest) |
| iv | Gm | subdominant (moves away) |
| v | Am | dominant (tension) |
| V | A | dominant (tension) |
| V7 | A7 | dominant (tension) |
| VI | Bb | subdominant (moves away) |
| VII | C | dominant (tension) |
Common progressions
- Epic minor (i–VI–III–VII): Dm – Bb – F – C
- Andalusian (i–VII–VI–V): Dm – C – Bb – A
To improvise
The D minor scale works over all these chords. To start with less risk, use the minor pentatonic: five notes that almost never sound wrong in this key. D minor pentatonic · D minor scale
Relative key: F major, with the same notes and a different home chord.