Learning the Dm ukulele chord on a ukulele and its neighbors, D & D7, can help you quickly expand your ukulele repertoire. After all, the sweet tone of the ukulele really comes out when the right chords are played. This guide will teach you how to play D minor on a ukulele along with D major and D7 as a bonus!
To understand the unique quality of each essential chord type, it’s helpful to practice chord variations that are based on the same root note. For example, you can work on the D major (shortened to D), D minor, and D7 ukulele chords in succession, and discover how it’s often just one note that makes the difference between them. Let’s take a look at these D chord variations on the uke!
What Are the Different Types of D Ukulele Chords?
What you may not know is that there are many different ways to play the same chord up and down the neck of the ukulele. There are also several variations you can make to each chord to change the quality, or “color,” of the sound. Likewise, there are many different types of d ukulele chords.
Choosing the best position to use for a particular chord during a song depends on its proximity to the other chords in the song and the sound you want to achieve. When you’re making chord changes, it always helps to choose the fingerings that are nearest to each other to reduce the time switching from one chord to the next. Keep reading for several suggestions on how to play the Dm chord on a ukulele, and its neighbors, D and D7.
Learn some simple D chord variations on uke in this helpful tutorial:
What is Dm Chord on a Ukulele?
D minor on a ukulele is made up of three notes: D, F, A. Take the minor triad formula 1-b3-5 and use it for the D major scale: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#.
The 1st, 3rd, and 5th scale degrees in a D major scale are D-F#-A. Since the Dm chord is a minor chord, you lower the third scale degree half a step along with the minor triad formula. This is where we get note D-F-A for the Dm chord.
How Do You Play the Dm Chord on a Ukulele?
The simplest way to play the D minor uke chord is to follow the simple instructions below.
- Leave the first string open
- Place your first finger on the second string at the first fret
- Place your second finger and third fingers on the third and fourth strings at the second fret.
- Strum!
Check it out:
Songs That Use D Minor on a Ukulele
The more you practice playing the Dm chord on a ukulele, the better you’ll get. Playing songs you know that use d minor is a great way to really master the skill. Try playing these songs using the Dm chord on a ukulele:
Stressed Out by Twenty One Pilots
Thank you to Elise Ecklund for the use of this video!
So Much More Than This by Grace Vanderwaal
Thank you to One Music School for the use of this video!
You might also be interested in: Top 80 Essential & Easy Songs to Learn on Ukulele
Bonus: How Do You Play a D Major Chord on the Ukulele?
Ukulele players usually learn the major D chord in the first position, played on the second fret from the nut. Here’s how to play that:
- Place your first finger, the index finger, on the fourth string at the second fret.
- Your second finger (the middle finger) goes on the third string.
- And, your third finger (the ring finger) on the second string, all at the second fret.
- Leave the first string open and strum.
Congrats: you just played the D chord!
Bonus: How Do You Play a D7 Chord on the Ukulele?
The simplest way to play a D7 chord is to:
- Lay your first finger across all strings at the second fret
- Place your second finger on the first string at the third fret.
Now, Use Your Ukulele Chord Knowledge in Songs!
Practicing each d chord variation on the uke and exploring their voicings individually is a great way to expand your knowledge of the ukulele, but the rubber really hits the road when you play them in a song.
The best way to improve your uke skills is by working with a teacher one-on-one, and chances are there are several great ukulele teachers in your area who can help guide you. If in-person lessons aren’t an option, there are online ukulele classes that are perfect for learning on the go. Whichever way you choose to learn, remember that just 15 minutes of practice a day will make a big difference when it comes to mastering the D, D7, and Dm chord on a ukulele.
Megan L.