Harmonic Circles
Harmonic Circle of B Major (B)
I – vi – ii – V7Harmonic progression with an interactive player and guitar diagrams.
Sequence and Tonal Functions of the Circle B
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 B major
The progression
This circle goes through B, G#m, C#m and F#7, which in B major are degrees I, vi, ii and V7.
The notes of each chord
In B you hear B, D# and F#. G#m holds G#, B and D#. In C#m you hear C#, E and G#. F#7 holds F#, A#, C# and E.
From one chord to the next
From B to G#m, B and D# stay, and two hand positions stay put. G#m and C#m keep G# in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From C#m to F#7, C# and E stay, and one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from F#7 to B, A# rises a semitone to B and E falls a semitone to D#. The two chords share F#.
The hand
B takes a barre at fret 2, leaving string 6 unplayed. G#m needs a barre at fret 4. C#m takes a barre at fret 4, leaving string 6 unplayed. F#7 needs a barre at fret 2. The highest fret in the circle is fret 6, in G#m. B, G#m, C#m and F#7 use a barre.
B harmonic circle diagram
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Key map: B
- Key signature
- 5 sharps
- Scale notes
- B – C# – D# – E – F# – G# – A#
- Relative key
- G#m
- How to play it with a capo
- A shapes + capo on fret 2G shapes + capo on fret 4E shapes + capo on fret 7
Download the printable A4 sheet (this circle and 3 more)The B circle for guitar
The thumb plays the 5th string for B and C#m and the 6th string for G#m and F#7.
Show tab and notation
Show the piano version (grand staff)
The B circle on the staff
The left hand plays B, G#, C#, and F# in the bass.
Loading score…
Show the notes as text, beat by beat
Bar 1 · B
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | F#4D#4B3 | F#4D#4B3 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | B2 | F#3 |
Bar 2 · G#m
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | D#4B3G#3 | D#4B3G#3 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | G#2 | D#3 |
Bar 3 · C#m
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | G#4E4C#4 | G#4E4C#4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | C#3 | G#3 |
Bar 4 · F#7
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | E5C#5A#4F#4 | E5C#5A#4F#4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | F#2 | C#3 |
Famous Songs Using the Circle (B)
Well-known songs that use this progression
"Always"
B - G#m - C#m - F#Orchestrated power ballad with second-position barre chords in B major.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Circle (B)
Concrete, direct answers on fingering, strumming, and music theory
Which chords make up the B harmonic circle and what order are they played in?
The B harmonic circle consists of four chords following the I - vi - ii - V7 formula: B - G#m - C#m - F#7. 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 B harmonic circle?
The B circle is a timeless progression widely used in acoustic pop, classic rock, and folk ballads. Its cyclical movement (B - G#m - C#m - F#7) supports hundreds of well-known vocal melodies.
What is the harmonic function of each chord in the B circle?
In the B circle, the first chord (B) provides the home tonic (Degree I/i); the second (G#m) introduces relative contrast; the third (C#m) prepares motion; and the fourth (F#7) creates dominant seventh tension (V7) resolving smoothly back to the tonic.
What is the best strumming pattern to practice the B harmonic circle?
To build muscle memory and steady rhythm on the B 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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