D Minor Triad
Chord Tones: D Minor Triad
Symbol: m, min, - — Formula: 1-♭3-5
| Degree | Note | Frequency (A=440, Equal) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | 293.665 Hz |
| ♭3 | F | 349.228 Hz |
| 5 | A | 440.000 Hz |
Chord Notation
| Notation Type | Symbol / Value |
|---|---|
| Lead Sheet Symbol | Dm |
| All Common Symbols | m, min, - |
| Interval Formula | 1-♭3-5 |
| Harmonic Category | consonant |
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 | D | D Minor Triad |
| First Inversion | F – A – D | F | D Minor Triad/F |
| Second Inversion | A – D – F | A | D Minor Triad/A |
Harmonic Function
The D minor 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 triad has a dark, introspective sound created by the flat third degree. It is the foundation of minor key harmony and widely used across all genres of music.
Common Progressions
The D Minor Triad frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):
i-iv-v-iii-V-I
Songs Featuring the Minor Triad
Well-known songs where the D Minor Triad — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:
- Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin
- Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
- Losing My Religion – R.E.M.
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 |
Scales Containing the D Minor Triad
These scales include the D Minor Triad as a diatonic or characteristic chord: