Harmonic Circles
Harmonic Circle of B Minor (Bm)
I – vi – ii – V7Harmonic progression with an interactive player and guitar diagrams.
Sequence and Tonal Functions of the Circle Bm
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 minor
The progression
Bm, G, Em and F#7 make up the B minor circle, as degrees i, VI, iv and V7.
The notes of each chord
Bm holds B, D and F#. In G you hear G, B and D. Em holds E, G and B. In F#7 you hear F#, A#, C# and E.
From one chord to the next
Bm and G keep B and D in common. Also, one hand position stays put. From G to Em, G and B stay, and one hand position stays put. Em and F#7 keep E in common. Also, one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from F#7 to Bm, A# rises a semitone to B and E falls a whole tone to D. The two chords share F#.
The hand
Bm needs a barre at fret 2, leaving string 6 unplayed. G rings with three strings open and three fretted positions. Em presses two positions and leaves four strings open. F#7 takes a barre at fret 2. The highest fret in the circle is fret 4, in Bm. Bm and F#7 use a barre.
Bm harmonic circle diagram
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Key map: Bm
- Key signature
- 2 sharps
- Scale notes
- B – C# – D – E – F# – G – A
The 7 chords of the key
In minor, V is major thanks to the leading tone (raised 7th degree).
- Relative key
- D
- How to play it with a capo
- Am shapes + capo on fret 2Em shapes + capo on fret 7
Download the printable A4 sheet (this circle and 3 more)The Bm circle for guitar
The thumb plays the 5th string for Bm and the 6th string for G, Em, and F#7.
Show tab and notation
Show the piano version (grand staff)
The Bm circle on the staff
The left hand plays B, G, E, and F# in the bass.
Loading score…
Show the notes as text, beat by beat
Bar 1 · Bm
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | F#4D4B3 | F#4D4B3 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | B2 | F#3 |
Bar 2 · G
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | D5B4G4 | D5B4G4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | G2 | D3 |
Bar 3 · Em
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | B4G4E4 | B4G4E4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | E3 | B3 |
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 (Bm)
Well-known songs that use this progression
"Hotel California"
Bm - F#7 - A - E - G - D - Em - F#7Master eight-bar harmonic sequence in B minor.
"The Passenger"
Bm - G - D - AContinuous rhythmic riff for acoustic and electric guitar.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Circle (Bm)
Concrete, direct answers on fingering, strumming, and music theory
Which chords make up the Bm harmonic circle and what order are they played in?
The Bm harmonic circle consists of four chords following the i - VI - iv - V7 formula: Bm - G - Em - 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 Bm harmonic circle?
The Bm harmonic circle is used in worldwide hit songs such as "Hotel California" (Eagles), "The Passenger" (Iggy Pop). In these works, the Bm - G - Em - F#7 cycle creates a continuous loop of home, movement, tension, and resolution.
What is the harmonic function of each chord in the Bm circle?
In the Bm circle, the first chord (Bm) provides the home tonic (Degree I/i); the second (G) introduces relative contrast; the third (Em) 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 Bm harmonic circle?
To build muscle memory and steady rhythm on the Bm 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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