Dm chord with D Dorian scale

Pairing the Dm chord (Minor) with the D Dorian scale: formulas, fretboard voicings and the practical context for soloing, improvisation and songwriting.

Dm chord formula

Interval formula: 1 b3 5. A minor triad — root, minor 3rd and 5th. Stable, but darker and sadder than a major.

D Dorian scale formula

Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7. Classification: modal.

Fretboard voicings for Dm

Curated Dm shapes that sit naturally inside the D Dorian scale.

XXO1b3511234
Dm — D shape, frets 0–4
XX5b311123456
Dm — C shape, frets 1–6
X15b35145678
Dm — A shape, frets 4–8
XX51b3567891011
Dm — G shape, frets 6–11
1b35151910111213
Dm — E shape, frets 9–13

Other scales for Dm

Compare how the same chord behaves over other compatible modes.

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