The D minor guitar scale is a foundational scale for guitarists across genres, offering a rich, melancholic sound that’s essential for blues, rock, classical, and many other styles. Understanding and mastering this scale will unlock new melodic possibilities and deepen your understanding of music theory on the guitar. This guide will break down the D minor scale into easy-to-learn patterns, explore its musical context, and provide you with the tools to confidently play it anywhere on the fretboard.
D Minor Scale in 2 Octaves
The diagram below illustrates the D minor scale across two octaves. The darker circles highlight the root notes (D), making it easy to visualize the scale’s structure. The first root note in this pattern begins on the 10th fret of the 6th string.
D Minor Scale on the Full Fretboard
Visualizing the D minor scale across the entire fretboard is crucial for improvisation and seamless transitions between positions. This comprehensive diagram shows you all the D minor notes available on the guitar neck.
Alt text: Full guitar fretboard diagram showing all notes of the D Minor scale, highlighting root notes for guitarists.
D Minor Scale with Note Names
For a deeper understanding, this diagram labels each note within the D minor scale. Knowing the note names reinforces your fretboard knowledge and aids in music theory comprehension.
D Minor Scale Shape 1 (9th Position) with Fingerings
Shape 1 of the D minor scale, often centered around the 9th fret, is a popular starting point. This diagram includes suggested fingerings to help you navigate the pattern smoothly and efficiently.
Alt text: D Minor scale shape 1 diagram in 9th position with fingerings for guitarists, showing a box pattern.
D Minor Scale Shape 2 (12th Position) with Fingerings
Shape 2, positioned around the 12th fret, connects seamlessly with Shape 1 and expands your range on the fretboard. Practice this shape to build fluidity in higher registers.
D Minor Scale Shape 3 (2nd Position) with Fingerings
Moving down the neck, Shape 3 in the 2nd position offers a lower register voicing of the D minor scale. Mastering this shape provides access to the scale in the open position area of the guitar.
Alt text: Guitar diagram of D Minor scale Shape 3 in the 2nd position with suggested fingerings for practice.
D Minor Scale Shape 4 (5th Position) with Fingerings
Shape 4, located around the 5th fret, acts as a crucial link between the higher and lower positions of the D minor scale. Practice transitioning to and from this shape.
D Minor Scale Shape 5 (7th Position) with Fingerings
Shape 5, situated at the 7th position, is another essential pattern to learn. It connects smoothly with other shapes and provides a comfortable position for playing in D minor.
Alt text: D Minor scale Shape 5 diagram for guitar in the 7th position, including fingerings for guitar players.
Understanding the Music Theory of the D Minor Scale
Notes: D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C
Intervals: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole (W-H-W-W-H-W-W) or 2 – 1 – 2 – 2 – 1 – 2 – 2 in semitones.
Scale Type: Septonic (7 notes) – Natural Minor Scale
The D minor scale follows the characteristic interval pattern of all natural minor scales. This pattern creates the minor scale’s signature sound, often described as darker or more somber compared to major scales.
Formula, Intervals, and Degrees
| Formula | Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | Unison | Tonic |
| 2 | E | Major Second | Supertonic |
| b3 | F | Minor Third | Mediant |
| 4 | G | Perfect Fourth | Subdominant |
| 5 | A | Perfect Fifth | Dominant |
| b6 | Bb | Minor Sixth | Submediant |
| b7 | C | Minor Seventh | Subtonic |
This table breaks down the formula, notes, intervals, and scale degrees of the D minor scale, providing a clear view of its theoretical construction.
Ascending and Descending Intervals
| Notes (Ascending) | Interval |
|---|---|
| D – E | Major 2nd |
| D – F | Minor 3rd |
| D – G | Perfect 4th |
| D – A | Perfect 5th |
| D – Bb | Minor 6th |
| D – C | Minor 7th |
| Notes (Descending) | Interval |
|---|---|
| D – C | Major 2nd |
| D – Bb | Major 3rd |
| D – A | Perfect 4th |
| D – G | Perfect 5th |
| D – F | Major 6th |
| D – E | Minor 7th |
Understanding the specific intervals from the root (D) to each note in the scale is key to grasping the D minor scale’s unique sound.
D Minor, F Major, and the Aeolian Mode
The D minor scale is the relative minor of the F Major scale. This means they share the same notes but have different root notes and tonal centers. D minor is also identical to the D Aeolian mode, which is the 6th mode of the F Major scale. Recognizing these relationships is crucial for understanding key signatures and modal theory.
Applying the Formula Across the Neck
The W-H-W-W-H-W-W interval formula is consistent across the entire fretboard. By understanding this formula, you can derive the D minor scale starting from any D note on the guitar neck, not just the shapes provided.
Chords Built from the D Minor Scale
These are the diatonic chords that naturally harmonize with the D minor scale:
| Minor Chords | Diminished Chords | Major Chords |
|---|---|---|
| Dm, Dm7, Dm9, Dm11 | Edim, Em7b5 | F, Fmaj7, F6, Fmaj9 |
| Gm, Gm7, Gm6, Gm9 | Bb, Bbmaj7, Bb6, Bbmaj9 | |
| Am, Am7 | C, C7, C6, C9 |
These chords provide the harmonic foundation for countless songs in D minor. Experiment with these chords and the D minor scale to create your own music.
Practice with D Minor Jam Tracks
To truly internalize the D minor scale, practice playing it over backing tracks. Jam tracks in D minor provide a musical context for your scale practice, making it more engaging and effective.
Start with the first shape ascending, as shown in the tablature below, and gradually explore all five shapes across the fretboard.
D Minor scale first shape ascending.
The numbers above the tablature are suggested fingerings.
e|-----------------------------------------------------5-7-8-|
B|---------------------------------------------5-7-8-------|
G|-------------------------------------5-7-9---------------|
D|-----------------------------5-7-9-----------------------|
A|---------------------5-7-8-------------------------------|
E|-5-7-8---------------------------------------------------|
1-2-3 1-2-4 1-3-4 1-2-3 1-2-4 1-3-4By diligently practicing these shapes, understanding the underlying theory, and applying the D minor scale in a musical context, you’ll master this essential scale and unlock a new level of guitar playing.
