Learn › D Minor Chord Inversions (Dm, Dm/F, Dm/A)
New Released in April 2026
D Minor Chord Inversions (Dm, Dm/F, Dm/A)
D minor chord inversions: root position Dm (D F A), 1st inversion Dm/F (F A D) and 2nd inversion Dm/A (A D F). Same three notes, a different note in the bass. Below: each position on the keyboard, how to tell them apart, the fingering for each one and a progression that uses them.
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D minor chord: root position, 1st and 2nd inversion
Same notes, new bass: that is all an inversion changes.
Root position: D F A
1st inversion: F A D
2nd inversion: A D F
- Root position: starts on D, a white key; all white keys
- 1st inversion: starts on F, a white key; all white keys
- 2nd inversion: starts on A, a white key; all white keys
Root position or inversion? The quick check for Dm
Two thirds stacked = root position. A fourth anywhere = an inversion, and the root is its top note.
| Position | Bass | Name | Figured bass | Shape (bottom to top) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | D | Dm | 5/3 | minor 3rd + major 3rd |
| 1st inversion | F | Dm/F | 6 (6/3) | major 3rd + perfect 4th |
| 2nd inversion | A | Dm/A | 6/4 | perfect 4th + minor 3rd |
Dm inversions: which fingers
| Position | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|
| Root position (D F A) | 1-3-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 1st inversion (F A D) | 1-2-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 2nd inversion (A D F) | 1-3-5 | 5-2-1 |
The 1st inversion is the only one that changes the right hand: 1-2-5, because the fourth sits on top.
Why Dm inversions matter: Dm → Gm/D → A/C# → Dm
This is the reason pianists learn inversions: Dm → Gm/D → A/C# → Dm keeps the hand still while the chords change. The common note D stays under the same finger.
- From Dm to Gm/D: D stays, F → G, A → Bb.
- From Gm/D to A/C#: D → C#, G → E, Bb → A.
- From A/C# to Dm: C# → D, E → F, A stays.
Train Dm inversions in a game
ChordRunner accepts every voicing, so you can drill Dm/F and Dm/A at speed between other chords. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
Play the demoThe Dm chord · All piano chords · Chord inversions explained
Common questions
What is the first inversion of D minor?
The 1st inversion of Dm is F A D, written Dm/F: the third, F, is in the bass and D moves to the top. In figured bass it is a 6 chord.
What is the second inversion of D minor?
The 2nd inversion is A D F, written Dm/A: the fifth, A, is in the bass. Figured bass calls it a 6/4 chord.
What fingering do I use for Dm inversions?
Right hand: 1-3-5 for root position and 2nd inversion, 1-2-5 for the 1st inversion. Left hand: 5-3-1 for root position and 1st inversion, 5-2-1 for the 2nd inversion.
Why learn Dm inversions?
They let you change chords without moving the hand. Dm → Gm/D → A/C# → Dm uses inversions so most notes stay where they are and the others move by a step.
Can I practise Dm/F and Dm/A with a MIDI keyboard?
Yes. ChordRunner detects a USB MIDI keyboard automatically and also listens through the microphone to an acoustic piano. Every inversion of Dm is accepted, so you can drill them in any order.
Your instrument is the controller.
ChordRunner is a browser game that teaches piano and guitar chords: a chord appears on screen, you play it on a real instrument, and your runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
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