Harmonic Circles
Harmonic Circle of C Major (C)
I – vi – ii – V7Harmonic progression with an interactive player and guitar diagrams.
Sequence and Tonal Functions of the Circle C
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 C major
The progression
C, Am, Dm and G7 make up the C major circle, as degrees I, vi, ii and V7.
The notes of each chord
C holds C, E and G. In Am you hear A, C and E. Dm holds D, F and A. In G7 you hear G, B, D and F.
From one chord to the next
C and Am keep C and E in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From Am to Dm, A stays, and one hand position stays put. Dm and G7 keep D and F in common. Also, one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from G7 to C, B rises a semitone to C and F falls a semitone to E. The two chords share G.
The hand
C presses three positions and leaves two strings open, leaving string 6 unplayed. Am rings with two strings open and three fretted positions, leaving string 6 unplayed. Dm presses three positions and leaves string 4 open, leaving strings 6 and 5 unplayed. G7 rings with three strings open and three fretted positions. The highest fret in the circle is fret 3, in C. None of the four chords uses a barre.
C harmonic circle diagram
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Key map: C
- Key signature
- no sharps or flats
- Scale notes
- C – D – E – F – G – A – B
- Relative key
- Am
- How to play it with a capo
- open shapes, no capoA shapes + capo on fret 3G shapes + capo on fret 5
Download the printable A4 sheet (this circle and 3 more)The C circle for guitar
The thumb plays the 5th string for C and Am, the 4th string for Dm, and the 6th string for G7.
Show tab and notation
Show the piano version (grand staff)
The C circle on the staff
The left hand plays C, A, D, and G in the bass.
Loading score…
Show the notes as text, beat by beat
Bar 1 · C
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | G4E4C4 | G4E4C4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | C3 | G3 |
Bar 2 · Am
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | E4C4A3 | E4C4A3 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | A2 | E3 |
Bar 3 · Dm
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | A4F4D4 | A4F4D4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | D3 | A3 |
Bar 4 · G7
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | F5D5B4G4 | F5D5B4G4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | G2 | D3 |
Famous Songs Using the Circle (C)
Well-known songs that use this progression
"Stand By Me"
C - Am - F - G7Universal pop and soul archetype based on the I - vi - IV - V progression in C.
"Every Breath You Take"
C - Am - F - GStructure in C Major with guitar arpeggios over the diatonic cycle.
"Unchained Melody"
C - Am - F - GClassic romantic ballad sustained by the alternation of the diatonic circle.
"Let It Be"
C - G - Am - FDirect rotational variant of the tonal axis in C Major.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Circle (C)
Concrete, direct answers on fingering, strumming, and music theory
Which chords make up the C harmonic circle and what order are they played in?
The C harmonic circle consists of four chords following the I - vi - ii - V7 formula: C - Am - Dm - G7. 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 C harmonic circle?
The C harmonic circle is used in worldwide hit songs such as "Stand By Me" (Ben E. King), "Every Breath You Take" (The Police).
In these works, the C - Am - Dm - G7 cycle creates a continuous loop of home, movement, tension, and resolution.
What is the harmonic function of each chord in the C circle?
In the C circle, the first chord (C) provides the home tonic (Degree I/i); the second (Am) introduces relative contrast; the third (Dm) prepares motion; and the fourth (G7) creates dominant seventh tension (V7) resolving smoothly back to the tonic.
What is the best strumming pattern to practice the C harmonic circle?
To build muscle memory and steady rhythm on the C 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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