Construction
D Minor 11th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th = D, F, A, C, E, G
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| D | Root | 1 |
| F | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| A | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| C | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| E | Major 2nd | 9 |
| G | Perfect 4th | 11 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the D Minor 11th is the tonic (i) chord of D Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, F Major: 1 flat (B♭).
B♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of D Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of D Minor:
Scales That Include the D Minor 11th
- C Major (ii)
- F Major (vi)
- A Minor (iv)
- D Minor (i)
- D Dorian (i)
- E Phrygian (vii)
- F Lydian (vi)
- G Mixolydian (v)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes D – F – A – C – E – G aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
D Minor 11th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D Minor 11th chord on piano?
The D Minor 11th chord contains the notes D – F – A – C – E – G. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the D Minor 11th chord?
Dm11 contains six notes: D, F, A, C, E, G. All white keys. Practical voicing: D–F–C–E–G. No internal clash in minor 11ths.
How does Dm11 differ from D11?
Dm11 has minor third (F). D11 has major third (F#, usually omitted). Dm11 is dark and full; D11 is dominant with suspended quality.
How is Dm11 used in music?
Dm11 is the ii chord in C Major (Dm11–G13–Cmaj9): the most common ii–V–I. Also a staple of neo-soul and lo-fi.
How does Dm11 differ from Dm9?
Adds the eleventh (G) for warmth and fullness.
What songs use Minor 11th chords?
Neo-soul, modern jazz. Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, D'Angelo.
Do I need to play all six notes?
Drop the fifth: D–F–C–E–G is practical. All white keys.