The D Minor scale is a fundamental scale for any guitarist looking to explore minor keys and expand their musical vocabulary. Known for its somber yet beautiful sound, the D Minor scale is essential for playing in various genres, from classical to rock and blues. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the D Minor Scale On Guitar, including its patterns, notes, theory, and how to practice it effectively.
What is the D Minor Scale?
The D Minor scale is a seven-note diatonic scale, often referred to as the Natural Minor scale. It’s characterized by a specific pattern of whole and half steps that give it its minor tonality. Understanding this pattern is crucial for mastering not just the D Minor scale, but all minor scales.
The formula for the intervals in a minor scale is Whole – Half – Whole – Whole – Half – Whole – Whole (W-H-W-W-H-W-W).
In the case of the D Minor scale, starting on the root note D, this translates to the following intervals and notes:
- Root (1st): D
- Major Second (2nd): E
- Minor Third (b3rd): F
- Perfect Fourth (4th): G
- Perfect Fifth (5th): A
- Minor Sixth (b6th): Bb
- Minor Seventh (b7th): C
- Octave (8th): D
This sequence of notes (D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, D) constitutes the D Minor scale.
D Minor Scale Notes and Intervals
Let’s break down the notes and intervals within the D Minor scale in more detail. The intervals are measured from the root note, D.
| Degree | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Root / Unison | D |
| 2nd | Major Second | E |
| b3rd | Minor Third | F |
| 4th | Perfect Fourth | G |
| 5th | Perfect Fifth | A |
| b6th | Minor Sixth | Bb |
| b7th | Minor Seventh | C |
You can also think of the D Minor scale in relation to the F Major scale. D Minor is the relative minor of F Major, meaning they share the same key signature (one flat – Bb) and the same notes, but start on different root notes. Furthermore, the D Minor scale is identical to the D Aeolian mode, which is the 6th mode of the F Major scale.
D Minor Scale on the Guitar Fretboard
Visualizing the D Minor scale on the fretboard is essential for practical application. Here are diagrams illustrating the scale in two octaves, across the full fretboard, and with note names for clarity.
D Minor Scale – 2 Octaves
This diagram shows a common two-octave pattern for the D Minor scale. The darker circles indicate the root notes (D).
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| | | | | | | | | | ● | ○ | |
| | | | | | | | | ● | ○ | | ○ |
| | | | | | | | ● | ○ | | ○ | |
| | | | | | | ● | ○ | | ○ | | |
| | | | | | ● | ○ | | ○ | | | |
| | | | | ● | ○ | | ○ | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12D Minor Scale – Full Fretboard
The following diagram displays the D Minor scale across the entire guitar fretboard, showing you how the scale spans the neck.
The D Minor scale displayed across the entire guitar fretboard, showing all occurrences of the notes within the scale.
D Minor Scale with Note Names
For beginners, it’s helpful to see the note names associated with each position in the scale.
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | D | E | |
| | | | | | | | | A | Bb| | C |
| | | | | | | | G | A | | Bb| |
| | | | | | | F | G | | A | | |
| | | | | | E | F | | G | | | |
| | | | | D | E | | F | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12D Minor Scale Shapes and Positions
To play the D Minor scale fluently across the fretboard, it’s beneficial to learn it in different shapes or positions. These shapes are movable patterns that allow you to play the scale in any key. Here are the 5 essential shapes for the D Minor scale, often referred to as CAGED shapes.
Shape 1 (9th Position)
This shape starts around the 9th fret and is a commonly used pattern for the D Minor scale.
Shape 1 of the D Minor scale in the 9th position, with suggested fingerings for efficient playing.
Shape 2 (12th Position)
Moving up the neck, Shape 2 begins around the 12th position.
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| ○ | | | ○ | |
| | ○ | | | ○ |
| | | ○ | | |
| ○ | | | ○ | |
| | ○ | | | ○ |
| | | ○ | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|Shape 3 (2nd Position)
Shape 3 is found lower on the neck, starting around the 2nd position.
Shape 3 of the D Minor scale in the 2nd position, providing another versatile pattern for playing.
Shape 4 (5th Position)
Positioned around the 5th fret, Shape 4 offers another section of the fretboard to explore the D Minor scale.
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | ○ | | |
| ○ | | | ○ | |
| | | | | ○ |
| | ○ | | | |
| ○ | | | ○ | |
| | | ○ | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|Shape 5 (7th Position)
Shape 5 is located around the 7th position and completes the set of five essential shapes.
Shape 5 of the D Minor scale in the 7th position, rounding out the five essential patterns.
By learning these five shapes, you can seamlessly play the D Minor scale across the entire fretboard and connect different positions for solos and improvisation.
Chords in the D Minor Scale
Understanding the chords harmonized from the D Minor scale is crucial for songwriting and improvisation in the key of D Minor. These chords are derived from the notes of the scale and create the characteristic sound of the minor key.
Here are the basic triads and 7th chords built from the D Minor scale:
| Degree | Triad | 7th Chord |
|---|---|---|
| i | Dm | Dm7 |
| ii° | Edim | Em7b5 |
| III+ | F | Fmaj7 |
| iv | Gm | Gm7 |
| v | Am | Am7 |
| VI | Bb | Bbmaj7 |
| VII | C | C7 |
Common chords you’ll encounter in the key of D Minor include: Dm, Edim, F, Gm, Am, Bb, and C. The Dm chord is the tonic chord, providing the key’s home base.
Practice and Jam Tracks
The best way to internalize the D Minor scale is through regular practice. Start by playing through each shape individually, focusing on smooth transitions between notes and shapes. Using jam tracks in D Minor is an excellent way to apply the scale in a musical context and develop your ear and improvisation skills.
You can find a variety of minor key jam tracks online to practice the D Minor scale and other minor scales.
Here’s an example of the D Minor scale Shape 1 ascending in tablature to get you started:
e|-----------------------------------------------------|
B|-----------------------------------------------------|
G|-------------------------------------7-9-10----------|
D|-------------------------7-9-10----------------------|
A|-------------7-8-10----------------------------------|
E|-8-10-12---------------------------------------------|
1 2 4 1 3 4 1 3 4 1 3 4By diligently practicing the D Minor scale, its shapes, and related chords, you’ll significantly enhance your guitar playing and musical understanding. Dive in, explore, and enjoy the rich sounds of the D Minor scale!
