D minor scale on piano
The D minor scale on piano has 7 notes: D, E, F, G, A, B flat, and C (D, E, F, G, A, B♭, C). It uses 1 black key: B♭. Standard fingering going up one octave: right hand 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5; left hand 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1.
- D 1
- E 2
- F ♭3
- G 4
- A 5
- B♭ B flat ♭6
- C ♭7
The highlighted keys are the notes of the scale, with the name and the degree; the tonic (D) has the strongest color. Tap a key to hear the note; "Play" goes up and down. The small dot marks middle C (C4).
Fingering for the D minor scale
| Note | D | E | F | G | A | B♭ | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Left hand | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Two octaves: Right hand: 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 · Left hand: 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1-4-3-2-1-3-2-1
This is the standard fingering from piano method books (the same as in ABRSM exams), going up; to come down, retrace it. Practice each hand separately and slowly before putting them together. Fingers: 1 = thumb, 2 = index, 3 = middle, 4 = ring, 5 = little finger.
Formula
- D
- W
- E
- H
- F
- W
- G
- W
- A
- H
- B♭
- W
- C
- W
- D
Degrees: 1 · 2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7. Steps: W – H – W – W – H – W – W (W = whole step, H = half step).
About the natural minor scale
The "pure" minor scale (Aeolian mode). Sad or introspective; it is the relative of the major scale a minor third above.
Harmonized scale (chords in the key)
The chords that come from the scale, stacking thirds from each note.
| Degree | Triad | Seventh chord | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Im | Dm | Dm7 | tonic |
| II° | E° | Em7(b5) | subdominant |
| III | F | F7M | tonic |
| IVm | Gm | Gm7 | subdominant |
| Vm | Am | Am7 | dominant |
| VI | B♭ | B♭7M | subdominant |
| VII | C | C7 | dominant |
Arpeggios of these chords on piano
Scales with the same notes
Relative major: F major scale . Same notes, different center.
More D scales
- Major
- Natural minor
- Harmonic minor
- Melodic minor
- Major pentatonic
- Minor pentatonic
- Blues
- Major blues
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Locrian
- Nordestina (Brazilian baião)
- Phrygian dominant
- Whole-tone
- Diminished (whole-half)
- Dominant diminished (half-whole)
Natural minor in other keys
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the D minor scale?
The notes of the D minor scale are D, E, F, G, A, B flat, and C. It uses 1 black key: B♭.
What is the fingering for the D minor scale on piano?
Going up one octave: right hand 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 and left hand 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1. Over two octaves: right hand 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 and left hand 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1-4-3-2-1-3-2-1.
What is the formula of the D minor scale?
In degrees: 1 · 2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7. In steps between notes: W – H – W – W – H – W – W (W = whole step, H = half step).
Which chords go with the D minor scale?
The chords of the key are Dm, E°, F, Gm, Am, B♭, C. Tap each one to see it on the keyboard.