Dm7

Q: What notes are in the Dm7 chord?

The Dm7 chord (D Minor 7) contains: D, F, A, C. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Dm7 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 Dm7 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 Dm7?

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 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordD minorTriad

ChordDm7D Minor 7

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 7
Symbol: Dm7
Root: D
Quality: Minor 7

Chord notes

1Droot

b3Fminor 3rd

5Aperfect 5th

b7Cminor 7th

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
Unstable degrees: 4G
b7C
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: Dm7source
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: Dm7source
Deceptive resolution
A#A# Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
Dm7source
Modal resolution
CC Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
Dm7source
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.
Dm7source
Functional resolution
GG Major
As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Substitutions

Parallel: Dmaj7D Major 7
Relative: Fmaj7F Major 7

Features

Character: Minor, with a minor 7th
Characteristic interval: Minor third (m3), Minor 7th (b7)
Description: The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, while the minor 7th extends the triad without a leading tone.
Application: ii and iii in major
Jazz (ii-V-I), neo-soul
Funk and R&B