Knowing which chords to play in a given key

[JonPR]

Originally Posted by stanron

...the Edim could also be C7.

It could, except that would probably work like a secondary dominant, V/III - and might constitute a modulation to F.
A more likely variation of Edim would be Em7b5 (ie adding a 7th).

[JonPR]

Originally Posted by Barchi

In D minor key, which would be the basic chords?

Would they be (from more to less common)...

Dm

C

Bb

Am

Gm

F

...???

The most common 3 chords (in a pop or rock song) would be Dm, Gm and A or A7, or possibly Am.

In a jazz tune, Dm, Em7b5 (Gm/E) and A7(b9). The Dm might have a 6th or maj7 added. You might also see a C#dim7, which is a rootless A7b9 (both are from the D harmonic minor scale).

Next most common (in rock) would be Bb, F and C. And maybe G major.

C would be rarer in a jazz D minor tune, unless it was a modal one - and even then, not that common.

You could get G major consistently instead of Gm, in which case you probably have a D dorian tune.

You can memorize all this stuff or you can play a lot of songs and it will come with experience. Your call.