This scale reference contains the notes, formula, structure, positions, chords, and modes for the D Minor scale on guitar. For an in-depth lesson on the minor scale, see Minor Scale Patterns, Positions and Theory.
Notes of D Minor Scale
The D Minor scale contains 1 flat and 6 natural notes.
D – E – F – G – A – B♭ – C
Scale Formula
The scale formula for the D Minor scale is:
Root – Major 2nd – Minor 3rd – Perfect 4th – Perfect 5th – Minor 6th – Minor 7th
| Intervals | Root | Major 2nd | Minor 3rd | Perfect 4th | Perfect 5th | Minor 6th | Minor 7th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | D | E | F | G | A | B♭ | C |
Scale Structure
D Minor is a minor scale, so it follows the minor scale structure of whole and half step intervals:
W H W W H W W
Scale Positions
The diagrams below outline the 5 CAGED positions for the D Minor scale.
Position 1
Position 2
Position 3
Position 4
Position 5
Chords in the Key of D Minor
When you harmonize the D Minor scale you get the following chords:
| Degree | i | ii° | III | iv | v | VI | VII |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chord | Dm | Edim | F | Gm | Am | B♭ | C |
| Chord Notes | D – F – A | E – G – B♭ | F – A – C | G – B♭ – D | A – C – E | B♭ – D – F | C – E – G |
Relative and Parallel Scales
Relative Major of D Minor: F Major | D – E – F – G – A – B♭ – C
Parallel Major of D Minor: D Major | D – E – F# – G – A – B – C#
Modes
The following are the modes of D Minor:
- F Ionian (Major)
- G Dorian (Minor)
- A Phrygian (Minor)
- B♭ Lydian (Major)
- C Mixolydian (Major)
- D Aeolian (Minor)
- E Locrian (Minor)
