Harmonic Circles
Harmonic Circle of A Major (A)
I – vi – ii – V7Harmonic progression with an interactive player and guitar diagrams.
Sequence and Tonal Functions of the Circle A
To achieve smooth chord transitions, always identify anchor fingers (common notes held on the fretboard) and keep your wrist relaxed without sudden arm movements. Practice the loop at a slow tempo before speeding up.
How the chords connect in A major
The progression
A, F#m, Bm and E7 make up the A major circle, as degrees I, vi, ii and V7.
The notes of each chord
A holds A, C# and E. In F#m you hear F#, A and C#. Bm holds B, D and F#. In E7 you hear E, G#, B and D.
From one chord to the next
A and F#m keep A and C# in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From F#m to Bm, F# stays, and two hand positions stay put. Bm and E7 keep B and D in common. Also, one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from E7 to A, G# rises a semitone to A and D falls a semitone to C#. The two chords share E.
The hand
A presses three positions and leaves two strings open, leaving string 6 unplayed. F#m takes a barre at fret 2. Bm needs a barre at fret 2, leaving string 6 unplayed. E7 rings with four strings open and two fretted positions. The highest fret in the circle is fret 4, in F#m. F#m and Bm use a barre.
A harmonic circle diagram
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Key map: A
- Key signature
- 3 sharps
- Scale notes
- A – B – C# – D – E – F# – G#
- Relative key
- F#m
- How to play it with a capo
- open shapes, no capoG shapes + capo on fret 2E shapes + capo on fret 5D shapes + capo on fret 7
Download the printable A4 sheet (this circle and 3 more)The A circle for guitar
The thumb plays the 5th string for A and Bm and the 6th string for F#m and E7.
Show tab and notation
Show the piano version (grand staff)
The A circle on the staff
The left hand plays A, F#, B, and E in the bass.
Loading score…
Show the notes as text, beat by beat
Bar 1 · A
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | E4C#4A3 | E4C#4A3 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | A2 | E3 |
Bar 2 · F#m
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | C#5A4F#4 | C#5A4F#4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | F#2 | C#3 |
Bar 3 · Bm
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | F#4D4B3 | F#4D4B3 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | B2 | F#3 |
Bar 4 · E7
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | D5B4G#4E4 | D5B4G#4E4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | E3 | B3 |
Famous Songs Using the Circle (A)
Well-known songs that use this progression
"Stand By Me (Grabacion Original)"
A - F#m - D - EOriginal studio key recorded in A Major with a walking bass.
"Crazy Little Thing Called Love"
D - G - D (with a bridge in A)Rhythmic rockabilly sustained by the cadential alternation of A and D.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Circle (A)
Concrete, direct answers on fingering, strumming, and music theory
Which chords make up the A harmonic circle and what order are they played in?
The A harmonic circle consists of four chords following the I - vi - ii - V7 formula: A - F#m - Bm - E7. In guitar practice, it is played in 4/4 time, typically giving one measure (4 beats) to each chord before transitioning to the next in a seamless loop.
What famous songs use the A harmonic circle?
The A harmonic circle is used in worldwide hit songs such as "Stand By Me (Grabacion Original)" (Ben E. King), "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (Queen).
In these works, the A - F#m - Bm - E7 cycle creates a continuous loop of home, movement, tension, and resolution.
What is the harmonic function of each chord in the A circle?
In the A circle, the first chord (A) provides the home tonic (Degree I/i); the second (F#m) introduces relative contrast; the third (Bm) prepares motion; and the fourth (E7) creates dominant seventh tension (V7) resolving smoothly back to the tonic.
What is the best strumming pattern to practice the A harmonic circle?
To build muscle memory and steady rhythm on the A circle, practice with a Pop Ballad or Acoustic Strumming pattern at 75 to 85 BPM. Emphasize the root bass note on beat 1 followed by relaxed down and up strums on beats 2, 3, and 4.
Want to know how each chord feels?
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