D Minor Seventh Chord
Chord Tones: D Minor Seventh Chord
Symbol: m7, min7, -7 — Formula: 1-♭3-5-♭7
| Degree | Note | Frequency (A=440, Equal) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | 293.665 Hz |
| ♭3 | F | 349.228 Hz |
| 5 | A | 440.000 Hz |
| ♭7 | C | 261.626 Hz |
Chord Notation
| Notation Type | Symbol / Value |
|---|---|
| Lead Sheet Symbol | Dm7 |
| All Common Symbols | m7, min7, -7 |
| Interval Formula | 1-♭3-5-♭7 |
| Harmonic Category | mildly dissonant |
Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.
Inversions
| Inversion | Notes (low to high) | Bass Note | Slash Notation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Position | D – F – A – C | D | D Minor Seventh Chord |
| First Inversion | F – A – C – D | F | D Minor Seventh Chord/F |
| Second Inversion | A – C – D – F | A | D Minor Seventh Chord/A |
| Third Inversion | C – D – F – A | C | D Minor Seventh Chord/C |
Harmonic Function
The D minor seventh chord commonly functions as the supertonic (ii) in C major or dominant (V) in G major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides subdominant or supertonic color.
The minor seventh chord adds a minor seventh to the minor triad, creating a smooth, mellow sound. It is ubiquitous in jazz, R&B, and funk as both a chord of repose and a stepping stone in progressions.
Common Progressions
The D Minor Seventh Chord frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):
ii-V-Ii-iv-v
Songs Featuring the Minor Seventh Chord
Well-known songs where the D Minor Seventh Chord — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:
- So What – Miles Davis
- Autumn Leaves – jazz standard
- Is This Love – Bob Marley
Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments
Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.
| Note | Equal Temp. | Pythagorean | Just Intonation |
|---|---|---|---|
| D | 293.665 Hz | 293.332 Hz | 294.329 Hz |
| F | 349.228 Hz | 347.654 Hz | 348.834 Hz |
| A | 440.000 Hz | 440.000 Hz | 436.043 Hz |
| C | 261.626 Hz | 260.740 Hz | 261.626 Hz |
Scales Containing the D Minor Seventh Chord
These scales include the D Minor Seventh Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: