Dm6 Guitar Chord

Dm6 is the D minor sixth chord. It has four notes: D, F, A and B. The open shape uses only the top four strings and two fingers, which makes it one of the easiest four note chords on the guitar.

Top four strings: open D, the sixth on the open B, and two fingers taking the A on the G string and the F on top. Two fingers in total.

How to play Dm6, step by step

Index finger: 1st fret, high E string
Middle finger: 2nd fret, G string
Leave the D and B strings open. Strum from the D string down, skipping the two lowest strings.

Compare it with Dm: the only change is the B string, which opens up instead of being held at the 3rd fret. One finger, and the chord goes from plainly sad to distinctly restless.

More ways to play Dm6

There are 2 common Dm6 shapes in total: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these, easiest first. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

Dm6 guitar chord diagram, barre at fret 3, played x53435 — Barre at fret 3

If it sounds unclear

The bottom two strings ring: Dm6 starts on the open D string. Rest the fretting thumb against the low E, or start the strum at the D string.
The open B string overpowers it: The B is the sixth and the most exposed note in the shape. If it dominates, angle the strum toward the lower strings so the root and third come through.
The high E buzzes: The index holds the 1st fret. Keep it right behind the fret wire and press with the tip, since notes at the 1st fret need more pressure than most.

What makes it a Dm6

D · F · A · B 1 ♭3 5 6

Dm6 is a D minor triad (D, F, A) with a B added, the major sixth. Keeping the sixth natural while the third is flat is what makes the chord sound unfinished rather than simply minor.

Those same notes read from B spell Bm7b5. Dm6 is also a G9 with no G, which is why it leads so naturally to a C chord.

Dm6 vs Dm7

Dm7 adds a C to D minor and sounds relaxed. Dm6 adds a B instead, a fret lower, and the chord becomes unsettled.

Both are easy on the top four strings, and they are worth learning together: Dm7 as xx0211 and Dm6 as xx0201 are one finger apart, so you can hear exactly what the sixth does to a minor chord.

Dm6 chord questions

What is the difference between Dm6 and Dm7?

Dm7 has a C, Dm6 has a B. One fret apart in pitch, and the difference between a chord at rest and one that wants to move.

Is Dm6 easy for a beginner?

Yes. Two fingers on four strings, both in the first two frets. If you can play Dm you can play this immediately.

Is Dm6 the same as Bm7b5?

The notes are the same: D, F, A and B. D in the bass gives Dm6; B in the bass gives Bm7b5.

Why is the sixth major in a minor sixth chord?

The sixth is counted from the major scale and stays natural. The chord flattens only the third, and that deliberate mix is what you are hearing.

Which strings do I strum?

The top four, from the D string down. Keep the low E and A quiet.