D minor scale is quite a popular option for writing songs. As you already know, the scale is based around D, and it has one flat. The notes in the D minor scale are D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, and D.
The relative scale to D minor is F major, and it is a perfect key to express melancholy, solemnity, grief, anxiety, and similar. Playing in the key of D minor is comfortable on guitar, and it is a go-to scale for many players.
And if you are interested in exploring this key, there are plenty of songs you can learn.
Somebody That I Used To Know – Gotye & Kimbra
Somebody That I Used to Know is a song by Gotye and Kimbra, and it appeared on Gotye’s third album called Making Mirrors. The song became a global hit, and it was one of the biggest tracks of the year in 2011.
Even though both Gotye and Kimbra continued performing, this was the last published album by this Australian singer. Kimbra, on the other hand, released three albums since this incredible hit. To play the song, you will need a capo, and you should place it on the fifth fret.
Somebody That I Used To Know Guitar Chords
Sultans Of Swing – Dire Straits
Sultans of Swing is the most popular song by Dire Straits. It was released in 1978, and it appeared on the Dire Straits album. The song was a beautiful introduction to Dire Straits and the type of guitar player Mark Knopfler is.
Ever since then, it has been a great way to test your skills. Learning how to play Sultans of Swing is far from easy. Especially if you are looking to sound as accurate as the studio version. And you will need a lot of practice for it.
Sultans Of Swing Guitar Chords
Another Brick In The Wall Part 2 – Pink Floyd
Another Brick in the Wall is a song from The Wall, and it was released in 1979. The original version of the song has three parts, but the majority of people are familiar with Part 2. Which is also the most popular version.
And if you are wondering which version you listened to, the one with the solo and incredible guitars is Part 2. The song is not too challenging, and there are only a few chords you will need to learn.
Another Brick In The Wall Part 2 Guitar Chords
Careless Whisper – Wham!
Careless Whisper came out in 1984, and the song appeared on the second album by Wham! called Make It Big. The song was also written by the duo, which included George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley.
In some countries, the song was credited solely to George Michael and the single was published under his name. Playing the song is not that challenging, and you can even make your own version of the famous sax intro.
Careless Whisper Guitar Chords
Mr. Crowley – Ozzy Osbourne
One of the most iconic songs in the heavy metal genre came from the album called Blizzard of Ozz. It was released in 1981, and the song was written by Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads, and Bob Daisley.
The song talks about Aleister Crowley, and it offers some of the best solos of the era. This also means that the song might be too challenging for beginners and intermediate players. However, the basic structure of the song is not too difficult to learn.
Derek And The Dominos – Layla
Layla was released in 1970 on Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, and it was written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon. The introduction and the main theme of the song are in D minor, and it is such a beautiful song to learn.
Even if you own an acoustic guitar only, the MTV Unplugged version is still in the key of D minor, and you can learn it instead. Keep in mind that Layla might not be the best option for beginners, especially the original version.
Fake Love – BTS
Fake Love is a song by the Korean band called BTS. It was released in 2018, and it appeared on the Love Yourself: Tear and Map of the Soul: 7 – The Journey albums. Since the band recorded the song in both Korean and Japanese, it appears on multiple albums.
Learning how to play Fake Love is not too challenging, and it can be a great option for beginners. The song is a mixture of different genres, and it is perfect for all the BTS fans out there.
Can’t Stand Losing You – The Police
Can’t Stand Losing You appeared on the debut album by the Police, and Outlandos d’Amour was released in 1978. The song is pretty much in line with the first few albums by the Police, and it is a nice mixture of rock and reggae.
The song is quite versatile, and it is suitable for various skill levels. You can even learn how to play it as a beginner, but you will need to focus on your strumming skills to get that well-known reggae rhythm.
Can’t Stand Losing You Guitar Chords
Poison – Alice Cooper
Poison came out in 1989, and the song appeared on Alice Cooper’s album called Trash. The song became an instant hit, and for many people, it was an introduction to his music. Playing the song is quite fun.
Firstly, the song can be a bit challenging, especially if you aim to learn every single part of the song. You should keep in mind that there are several key changes during the chorus, which you will need to be aware of during playing.
The Clairvoyant – Iron Maiden
While the majority of songs by Iron Maiden are in the key of E minor, there are a few that are an exception. The Clairvoyant from The Seventh Son of the Seventh Son album is one of them.
As you can probably guess, the song goes through several different keys, but the main theme of the song is in the key of D minor. If you are inexperienced in playing heavy metal, this one can be a bit challenging.
Once – Pearl Jam
Once is the opening track from Pearl Jam’s debut album called Ten. It was released in 1991, and the song was written by Stone Gossard. The song is great for beginner and intermediate players, and it will give you a few challenges you can overcome.
It is not the easiest song on the list, but it is still quite fun to learn. You also don’t need a capo or any additional equipment, and the only thing you will need to do is practice.
Too Good At Goodbyes – Sam Smith
Too Good at Goodbyes is a song by Sam Smith, and it came out in 2017. The song appeared on numerous charts across the globe, and it was a part of Sam Smith’s album called The Thrill of It All.
Fortunately, learning how to play Too Good at Goodbyes is not too challenging. Firstly, you will need a capo, and you will place it on the fifth fret. As for the chords, the capo will simplify everything, and you won’t need to worry about barre chords.
Too Good At Goodbyes Guitar Chords
Apocalypse – Cigarettes After Sex
Cigarettes After Sex is the name of the American band, but also their debut album that was released in 2017. This album brought several hits, such as Apocalypse. To play this song, you will need a capo on the fifth fret.
As a result, you will eliminate the majority of barre chords. However, you will still be left with a few, and it is possible to play shorter versions of them if you are a beginner. This song is great for all skill levels.
Don’t Talk To Strangers – Dio
Don’t Talk to Strangers is a song by Dio, and it was released on the Holy Diver album from 1983. This was also the debut album by the band Dio after Ronnie James Dio started his solo project.
This heavy metal ballad is quite fun to play, and you will get a chance to learn a couple of new tricks. It is also not the most difficult song on the list, making it great for different skill levels. Of course, you might need to practice it a bit before it sounds perfect.
Don’t Talk To Strangers Guitar Tabs
This Velvet Glove – Red Hot Chili Peppers
This Velvet Glove is a song from Californication, and it was published in 1999. The album was packed with incredible tracks, and it is not surprising that This Velvet Glove was never published as a single.
But at the same time, it is such an incredible song. It’s great for different skill levels, and you can play it even if you are a beginner. Naturally, the amount of practice you will need will depend on your skill level.
This Velvet Glove Guitar Chords
Not The American Average – Asking Alexandria
Asking Alexandria was founded in 2006, and the first album came out in 2009. Not the American Average is one of thirteen tracks, and it is something you might want to check out. The first thing to know about this song is that you will need to play it in the drop D tuning.
This means that you will tune the low E to D while keeping the rest of the strings as they are. In the end, the tuning should be D, A, D, G, B, and E. Playing power chords will also be easier, which is something beginners will appreciate.
Not The American Average Guitar Tabs
Back To Black – Amy Winehouse
Back to Black is a song from Amy Winehouse’s second album of the same name. The song was released as a third single, and it came out in 2007 (the album came out in 2006). Back to Black became an instant hit.
When it comes to playing the song, it is not too difficult. However, you will need to learn a few barre chords, and the only option to make it easier is to play shorter versions of these chords. But it can also be a nice practice for you to finally become comfortable with them.
Shepherd Of Fire – Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold’s sixth album came out in 2013, and it was named Hail to the King. The second single was Shepherd of Fire, and the song also appeared in Call of Duty: Black Ops II, and a few other games.
The song is in drop D, which means that you will need to adjust your tuning if you are already in the standard tuning. As for the difficulty, the song is perfect for intermediate players, and it can be quite a fun tune to learn.
In The Air Tonight – Phil Collins
In the Air Tonight is a single by Phil Collins, and it is the first single from his debut album called Face Value. The song was released in 1981, and it is one of his most famous songs. While the guitar is not essential for the song, it adds a nice element to the entire tune.
And playing it can be a bit challenging since it is not your standard guitar song. Of course, there are several different ways to approach this song. You can follow the main chords, or you can focus on the filler melody played on the guitar.
In The Air Tonight Guitar Chords
Coraline – Maneskin
Coraline is a song by Måneskin, and it is a rock ballad from the band’s second album called Teatro d’ira: Vol. I (Theater of Wrath). The song became quite popular in Europe even though it was never released as a single.
And for anyone wondering, the name of the song is not related to the novel by Neil Gaiman of the same name. The song is written in Italian, and its tempo is slow. It is a great option for beginners.
Black Magic Woman – Santana
Black Magic Woman was released in 1970, and it appeared on Santana’s album called Abraxas. What many people don’t know is that the original version of the song was written by Peter Green, and released in 1968.
Santana’s version is a mixture of Peter Green’s song and a song called Gypsy Queen by Gábor Szabó. This unusual combination was quite a success, and it is one of the most popular songs by the band, as well as the later solo career by Carlos Santana.
Black Magic Woman Guitar Chords
Grenade – Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars released his debut album called Doo-Wops & Hooligans in 2010, and Grenade was the second single. The song is a mixture of pop and power pop, and the guitar is not as accented as you’d expect.
The original version of the song had more prominent guitars, but it was changed during production. This also means that you will have more freedom when playing the song, and you can add your own elements to it.
Perfectly Wrong – Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes or Shawn Mendes: The Album is the third album by this Canadian singer, and it was released in 2018. Perfectly Wrong was never released as a single, but many fans will say that it’s one of the best songs on the record.
This slow ballad is quite fun to play, and it is a nice way to explore different rhythm techniques. To simplify things a bit, you will need a capo on the fifth fret, and it will make it easier for you to play the chords.
Cirice – Ghost
Cirice was released in 2015, and it appeared on the Meliora album. The song won numerous awards, and it is incredible. If you are a fan of Ghost, this is an excellent opportunity to learn one of the most popular songs by the band.
One of the first things to mention is that the song is in the D standard tuning. This means that the notes are D, C, G, F, A, and D. So, not drop D, but D standard. You will move all notes one full step from the E standard.
White Room – Cream
White Room was first released in 1968, and it appeared on the Wheels of Fire album by Cream. The song was written by Jack Bruce, and it is one of the most recognizable songs of the era. It is also quite an interesting tune to learn.
Firstly, the opening part of the song is in 5/4, which is not something that was common at the time. Clapton also plays the solo in the D minor scale, even though the progression is unusual. You also don’t need to play full versions of chords which will simplify the process.
Day Is Done – Nick Drake
Days Is Done was released in 1969 on Nick Drake’s debut album called Five Leaves Left. What is interesting about this album is that Nick Drake recorded the entire record without overdubbing any instruments.
He played the guitar and piano, and everything was recorded live. Day Is Done is quite an interesting piece to learn, and it is a perfect opportunity for you to polish your fingerpicking skills. Of course, it might be a bit challenging for beginners.
Just My Type – The Vamps
The Vamps is a British pop band, and it was formed in 2012. The third album, Night & Day, came out in two parts, and it helped the band reach a wider audience. The album was quite a success, and two parts were named Night Edition and Day Edition.
One of the songs from this record is Just My Type. The song was initially released as a digital download, but it also served as the fourth single from the album, and it is a part of the Day Edition.
A Closeness – Dermot Kennedy
Dermot Kennedy is an Irish musician, and he started playing in 2009. Over the years, he released several hit singles and two studio albums. But the focus here is on the compilation album released in 2019.
The record introduced a song called A Closeness, and it is such an incredible tune to learn how to play. Firstly, you will need a capo on the third fret, and there is an interesting fingerpicking pattern you will need to learn.
For You – Liam Payne feat. Rita Ora
For You is a song by Liam Payne and Rita Ora, and it was released in 2018. The song was written for the movie Fifty Shades Freed, which is the third movie in the Fifty Shades trilogy. For You was also released as a promo single for the soundtrack.
While there are guitars in the song, the primary focus is not on them. And they are quite discreet. One of the ways to simplify the song is to place a capo on the third fret, but it is not essential.
Her And The Banks – Tyler Childers
Tyler Childers is an American musician, and he started playing in 2010. His first album came out in 2011, and he continued regularly releasing albums every few years. However, there was a larger gap between his first album (Bottles and Bibles) and the second one (Purgatory in 2017).
The song here is Her and the Banks, and it was recorded in 2013 during this period without albums. And what is interesting is that it was never released. To play it, you will need a capo, and it is such a good song to learn even though it’s not available on any record.
Her And The Banks Guitar Chords
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Set Fire to the Rain came out in 2011, and it is a song from Adele’s second album called 21. This power pop ballad became a hit across the globe, and it was one of the most popular songs of the year.
To play it, you will need a capo on the fifth fret. Now, it is possible to play the song without a capo, but you will have a bunch of barre chords. This is a simpler method that is beginner-friendly, and the song is not too challenging.
Set Fire To The Rain Guitar Chords
Come Together – The Beatles
Come Together is the opening track from Abbey Road, and the album was released in 1969. The song is credited to the Lennon/McCartney duo, and it topped charts all over the world. The song is a bit heavier than earlier songs by the Beatles, which was quite refreshing for many fans.
When it comes to playing the song, it is not too difficult. There is a nice intro at the beginning, and you can easily follow the song even if you are a beginner.
Smooth Operator – Sade
Smooth Operator is a song from Sade’s debut album called Diamond Life, which was released in 1984. The single was released in the U.S. a year later, and the song is one of the biggest songs of the era.
If you are looking to learn how to play this incredible timeless hit, you might need to practice a bit. The song uses uncommon chords, but they sound so good. And it is always great if you can improve your skills.
Belief – John Mayer
Belief came out in 2006, and the song is a second single from John Mayer’s album Continuum. The song became an instant hit, and it is one of the songs that he often plays live. If you are familiar with the song, you already know that the guitar sounds wonderful.
The approach is quite different from standard rock songs, and it takes a bit of practice. Furthermore, the song uses an entire fretboard, and it is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with different positions of the D minor scale.
The End Of The World – Billie Eilish
The End of the World is a song by Rob Dickinson, and Billie Eilish did a cover of the song in 2019. It is such a charming cover that sounds amazing with an acoustic guitar (played by Billie’s brother Finneas O’Connell)
If you are interested in learning this cover, you will be delighted to know that the song is beginner-friendly. It’s also relatively slow, so you will have enough time to position your fingers even for the trickier chords.
The End Of The World Guitar Chords
Conclusion
The D minor scale is quite a popular choice for guitar players. It is comfortable, it sounds great, and it is a perfect way to express melancholy or sadness. The key is based around the tone D, and it has one flat.
The notes in the D minor scale are D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, and D. One way you can simplify songs in this key is to place a capo on the fifth fret, which will turn the open A minor shape to D minor, and you won’t need to play Dm barre chord.
Of course, the majority of these songs are playable without a capo, and it is just one way to make things simpler. For those who are looking to expand their repertoire, this list will hopefully be helpful to learn a few new great songs in this key.
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