16.7Chord tones on strong beats

A very useful beginner rule:

Put chord tones on strong beats.

Then use passing notes between them.

In 4/4, you might target beats 1 and 3.

Example over Dm7:

Beat 1: F

Beat 2: G

Beat 3: A

Beat 4: C

All are fine, but F and A can function as structural points.