Chords
Dm7
The classic ii chord.
D F A C · 1 ♭3 5 ♭7
D1
F♭3
A5
C♭7
Dm7 is the most common minor-seventh chord in jazz and pop — the ii chord that begins the ii–V–I everyone plays.
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Every voicing on the neck
The idea
Minor seven, built on D
Dm7 is D F A C — a D minor triad plus the ♭7 (C). Smooth and open, it is the natural starting point for a turnaround.
- Notes: R ♭3 5 ♭7 = D F A C.
- The ♭7 (C) gives it the mellow minor-seven color.
- It shares three notes with F major — they're closely related.
Where it lives
The ii of C major
Dm7 is the ii7 in C major. Follow it with G7 and Cmaj7 and you have the ii–V–I, the single most important progression in tonal music.
- Dm7 → G7 → Cmaj7 is the ii–V–I in C.
- Use it as the ii7 to set up any dominant.
- A cornerstone of jazz, bossa and soul.
Learn Dm7 → G7 → Cmaj7 and you hold the most important progression in music.
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