Harmonic Circles
Harmonic Circle of Bb Major (Bb)
I – vi – ii – V7Harmonic progression with an interactive player and guitar diagrams.
Sequence and Tonal Functions of the Circle Bb
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 Bb major
The progression
This circle goes through Bb, Gm, Cm and F7, which in Bb major are degrees I, vi, ii and V7.
The notes of each chord
In Bb you hear Bb, D and F. Gm holds G, Bb and D. In Cm you hear C, Eb and G. F7 holds F, A, C and Eb.
From one chord to the next
From Bb to Gm, Bb and D stay, and two hand positions stay put. Gm and Cm keep G in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From Cm to F7, C and Eb stay, and one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from F7 to Bb, A rises a semitone to Bb and Eb falls a semitone to D. The two chords share F.
The hand
Bb takes a barre at fret 1, leaving string 6 unplayed. Gm needs a barre at fret 3. Cm takes a barre at fret 3, leaving string 6 unplayed. F7 needs a barre at fret 1. The highest fret in the circle is fret 5, in Gm. Bb, Gm, Cm and F7 use a barre.
Bb harmonic circle diagram
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Key map: Bb
- Key signature
- 2 flats
- Scale notes
- Bb – C – D – Eb – F – G – A
- Relative key
- Gm
- How to play it with a capo
- A shapes + capo on fret 1G shapes + capo on fret 3E shapes + capo on fret 6
Download the printable A4 sheet (this circle and 3 more)The Bb circle for guitar
The thumb plays the 5th string for Bb and Cm and the 6th string for Gm and F7.
Show tab and notation
Show the piano version (grand staff)
The Bb circle on the staff
The left hand plays Bb, G, C, and F in the bass.
Loading score…
Show the notes as text, beat by beat
Bar 1 · Bb
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | F4D4Bb3 | F4D4Bb3 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | Bb2 | F3 |
Bar 2 · Gm
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | D5Bb4G4 | D5Bb4G4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | G2 | D3 |
Bar 3 · Cm
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | G4Eb4C4 | G4Eb4C4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | C3 | G3 |
Bar 4 · F7
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | Eb5C5A4F4 | Eb5C5A4F4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | F2 | C3 |
Famous Songs Using the Circle (Bb)
Well-known songs that use this progression
"Rocket Man"
Bb - Eb - FCosmic ballad centered around the warm sound of Bb major.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Circle (Bb)
Concrete, direct answers on fingering, strumming, and music theory
Which chords make up the Bb harmonic circle and what order are they played in?
The Bb harmonic circle consists of four chords following the I - vi - ii - V7 formula: Bb - Gm - Cm - F7. 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 Bb harmonic circle?
The Bb circle is a timeless progression widely used in acoustic pop, classic rock, and folk ballads. Its cyclical movement (Bb - Gm - Cm - F7) supports hundreds of well-known vocal melodies.
What is the harmonic function of each chord in the Bb circle?
In the Bb circle, the first chord (Bb) provides the home tonic (Degree I/i); the second (Gm) introduces relative contrast; the third (Cm) prepares motion; and the fourth (F7) creates dominant seventh tension (V7) resolving smoothly back to the tonic.
What is the best strumming pattern to practice the Bb harmonic circle?
To build muscle memory and steady rhythm on the Bb 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.
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