Learn how to play the D natural minor piano scale! Explore notes, chords, finger positions, and fun songs in the key of D minor
Are you interested in learning how to play the D natural minor scale on piano? This scale is incredibly common in modern popular, film, jazz, and classical music, so knowing it can unlock a lot of pieces for you! Let’s start learning how to play the D minor scale on the piano and what pieces or songs you can learn in this key.
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What does it mean when a song is in the key of D minor?
When a song is in the key of D minor, it means that the composition revolves around the D minor scale as its tonal center. This tonal center may also be referred to as the tonic or root.
When a song is in the key of D minor, it often starts and resolves on the note D, giving the music a sense of stability and completion.
What are the notes of the D minor piano scale?
The D minor scale consists of the following notes: D, E, F, G, A, Bb, and C.
The key signature of D minor has one flat, which is Bb. This means that every time the note B is written in the music, it should be lowered a half step to Bb unless otherwise indicated.
What is the relative major of D minor?
In music theory, the relative major scale has the same key signature as its relative minor scale. A relative major starts on the third note (or degree) of the minor scale. So the relative major of D minor is F major.
How to play the natural D minor scale on piano
To play the D minor scale on the piano as a Pentascale (using only the bottom five notes of the scale), your hands don’t have to move at all.
D minor pentascale for the right hand:
1 (thumb) on D
2 on E
3 on F
4 on G
5 (pinky) on A
D minor pentascale for the left hand:
5 (pinky) on D
4 on E
3 on F
2 on G
1 (thumb) on A
To play D minor on the piano for your right hand, place your fingers like this:
Right hand finger positions for the D minor scale on piano:
1 (thumb) on D
2 on E
3 on F
Cross thumb under
1 on G
2 on A
3 on B flat
4 on C
5 (pinky) on D
Left hand finger positions for the D minor scale on piano:
5 (pinky) on D
4 on E
3 on F
2 on G
1 (thumb) on A
Cross 3 over to B flat
2 on C
1 on D
When coming down the scale, reverse the finger order like this:
Right hand:
5 (pinky) on D
4 on C
3 on B-flat
2 on A
1 (thumb) on G
Cross finger three over:
3 on F
2 on E
1 on D
Left hand:
1 (thumb) on D
2 on C
3 on B-flat
Cross thumb under:
1 on A
2 on G
3 on F
4 on E
5 (pinky) on D
Practicing the scale slowly and repeatedly will help you become comfortable with the fingering and the feel of the scale in your hand.
Want to watch and learn how to play a two octave D minor piano scale, along with D minor chords and arpeggios? Check out this lesson from Mr. Hoffman.
What are the chords of the D minor scale?
The D minor chord is the i chord, or tonic, and is made up of D – F – A.
The next chord built on E is the ii° chord, or supertonic. It is a diminished chord made up of E – G – Bb.
Our next chord is the III chord, or mediant. This one is a major chord, and has F – A – C.
The next chord is the iv chord, or subdominant. It’s a minor chord, and has G – Bb – D.
The v chord, or dominant, is a minor chord, and has the notes A – C – E.
The next chord is the VI chord, or submediant, and it’s major in quality. The notes in this chord are Bb – D – F.
The final chord in D minor is the VII chord, or subtonic, and the notes of this chord are C – E – G.
If you’d like some handy reference guides for chords and triads in all keys, download these free resources from the Hoffman Academy Store:
- Complete Guide to Triads
- The Ultimate Piano Chord Chart
Examples of songs in the key of D minor
Below is a list of piano pieces (or pieces adapted for the piano) that were composed in D minor.
Etude in D Minor – Cornelius Gurlitt (Early Intermediate)
Toccata in D Minor – J.S. Bach (Intermediate)
He’s A Pirate, from Pirates of the Caribbean – Klaus Badelt (Intermediate)
The Battle, from Gladiator – Hans Zimmer (Intermediate)
Sonata in D Minor, K. 34 – Domenico Scarlatti (Intermediate)
Etude-Tableaux in D Minor – Sergei Rachmaninoff (Advanced)
“Somebody that I Used to Know” – Gotye
“Set Fire to the Rain” – Adele
