Dm6

Q: What notes are in the Dm6 chord?

The Dm6 chord (D Minor 6) contains: D, F, A, B. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Dm6 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is Dm6 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for Dm6?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

D Minor 6

Octaves

Musical context

ChordD minorTriad

ChordDm6D Minor 6

ArpeggioD minorBroken triad

ScaleD minor7 notes

KeyD minorMinor key

ProgressionAndalusianSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: D Minor 6
Symbol: Dm6
Root: D
Quality: Minor 6

Chord notes

1Droot

b3Fminor 3rd

5Aperfect 5th

6Bmajor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: iiSubdominant (ii)C major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions: AA Major GmG Minor CC Major
Main resolution: Dm6source
AA Major
Minor chord Dm is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions: Dm6source
Deceptive resolution
A#A# Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
Dm6source
Modal resolution
CC Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
Dm6source
Jazz reharmonization
G7G Dominant 7
In jazz, a minor chord often serves as ii in a ii-V-I progression. Its "resolution" is the dominant a 4th up.
Dm6source
Functional resolution
GG Major
As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Features

Character: Minor, with a major 6th and no 7th
Characteristic interval: Major 6th (M6)
Description: The minor 3rd defines minor quality, while the major 6th distinguishes the chord from a natural-minor sonority with b6. Its intervals fit Dorian or melodic-minor contexts.
Application: Minor tonic in jazz
Dorian harmony
Melodic minor

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1D(D4)Bass

root

v2F(F4)m3from D

v3A(A4)M3from F

v4B(B4)M2from A

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.

ScaleD Akebono (Japanese)ScaleB Blues scale ScaleD Dorian ScaleD Melodic minor ScaleD Neapolitan major ScaleD Romanian minor ScaleD Ukrainian Dorian ScaleF Lydian ScaleF Lydian augmented ScaleA Aeolian (natural minor)

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Dm6 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: BmB minor
Dominant: AA major
Subdominant: GG major
Key signature: 2 sharps (F#, C#)

What to learn next

ScaleD DorianScale to improvise over this chord ChordD MinorA nearby chord on the same root — compare the sound PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions ChordD Minor 7Another related chord to practise

Recommended for you

D MinorA chord that sounds close

D Minor 7A chord that sounds close

D 6thA chord that sounds close

D DorianA scale related to this chord

D Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the Dm6 chord?

How do I build Dm6 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Dm6 found in?

What can I substitute for Dm6?

Dm6