Harmonic Circles
Harmonic Circle of Bb Minor (Bbm)
I – vi – ii – V7Harmonic progression with an interactive player and guitar diagrams.
Sequence and Tonal Functions of the Circle Bbm
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 minor
The progression
Bbm, Gb, Ebm and F7 make up the Bb minor circle, as degrees i, VI, iv and V7.
The notes of each chord
Bbm holds Bb, Db and F. In Gb you hear Gb, Bb and Db. Ebm holds Eb, Gb and Bb. In F7 you hear F, A, C and Eb.
From one chord to the next
Bbm and Gb keep Bb and Db in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From Gb to Ebm, Gb and Bb stay, but no fretted position repeats. Ebm and F7 share Eb, though the hand changes shape.
Back to the start
Going back from F7 to Bbm, A rises a semitone to Bb and Eb falls a whole tone to Db. The two chords share F.
The hand
Bbm needs a barre at fret 1, leaving string 6 unplayed. Gb takes a barre at fret 2. Ebm needs a barre at fret 6, leaving string 6 unplayed. F7 takes a barre at fret 1. The highest fret in the circle is fret 8, in Ebm. Bbm, Gb, Ebm and F7 use a barre.
Bbm harmonic circle diagram
Thanks for studying with CifraLab
A free and open study tool. If this circle helped you, support the project by buying us a coffee.
Key map: Bbm
- Key signature
- 5 flats
- Scale notes
- Bb – C – Db – Eb – F – Gb – Ab
The 7 chords of the key
In minor, V is major thanks to the leading tone (raised 7th degree).
- Relative key
- Db
- How to play it with a capo
- Am shapes + capo on fret 1Em shapes + capo on fret 6
Download the printable A4 sheet (this circle and 3 more)The Bbm circle for guitar
The thumb plays the 5th string for Bbm and Ebm and the 6th string for Gb and F7.
Show tab and notation
Show the piano version (grand staff)
The Bbm circle on the staff
The left hand plays Bb, Gb, Eb, and F in the bass.
Loading score…
Show the notes as text, beat by beat
Bar 1 · Bbm
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | F4Db4Bb3 | F4Db4Bb3 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | Bb2 | F3 |
Bar 2 · Gb
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | Db5Bb4Gb4 | Db5Bb4Gb4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | Gb2 | Db3 |
Bar 3 · Ebm
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | Bb4Gb4Eb4 | Bb4Gb4Eb4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | Eb3 | Bb3 |
Bar 4 · F7
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | Eb5C5A4F4 | Eb5C5A4F4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | F2 | C3 |
Famous Songs Using the Circle (Bbm)
Well-known songs that use this progression
"Part-Time Lover"
Bbm - Ebm - F7Motown and soul with a danceable bassline in B-flat minor.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Circle (Bbm)
Concrete, direct answers on fingering, strumming, and music theory
Which chords make up the Bbm harmonic circle and what order are they played in?
The Bbm harmonic circle consists of four chords following the i - VI - iv - V7 formula: Bbm - Gb - Ebm - 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 Bbm harmonic circle?
The Bbm circle is a timeless progression widely used in acoustic pop, classic rock, and folk ballads. Its cyclical movement (Bbm - Gb - Ebm - F7) supports hundreds of well-known vocal melodies.
What is the harmonic function of each chord in the Bbm circle?
In the Bbm circle, the first chord (Bbm) provides the home tonic (Degree I/i); the second (Gb) introduces relative contrast; the third (Ebm) 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 Bbm harmonic circle?
To build muscle memory and steady rhythm on the Bbm 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?
Discover how the brain experiences Home, The Landscape, The Adventure, and The Return