Harmonic Circles
Harmonic Circle of C Minor (Cm)
I – vi – ii – V7Harmonic progression with an interactive player and guitar diagrams.
Sequence and Tonal Functions of the Circle Cm
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 minor
The progression
This circle goes through Cm, Ab, Fm and G7, which in C minor are degrees i, VI, iv and V7.
The notes of each chord
In Cm you hear C, Eb and G. Ab holds Ab, C and Eb. In Fm you hear F, Ab and C. G7 holds G, B, D and F.
From one chord to the next
From Cm to Ab, C and Eb stay, and two hand positions stay put. Ab and Fm share Ab and C, though the hand changes shape. From Fm to G7, F stays, and one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from G7 to Cm, B rises a semitone to C and F falls a whole tone to Eb. The two chords share G.
The hand
Cm takes a barre at fret 3, leaving string 6 unplayed. Ab needs a barre at fret 4. Fm takes a barre at fret 1. G7 presses three positions and leaves three strings open. The highest fret in the circle is fret 6, in Ab. Cm, Ab and Fm use a barre.
Cm harmonic circle diagram
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Key map: Cm
- Key signature
- 3 flats
- Scale notes
- C – D – Eb – F – G – Ab – Bb
The 7 chords of the key
In minor, V is major thanks to the leading tone (raised 7th degree).
- Relative key
- Eb
- How to play it with a capo
- Am shapes + capo on fret 3
Download the printable A4 sheet (this circle and 3 more)The Cm circle for guitar
The thumb plays the 5th string for Cm and the 6th string for Ab, Fm, and G7.
Show tab and notation
Show the piano version (grand staff)
The Cm circle on the staff
The left hand plays C, Ab, F, and G in the bass.
Loading score…
Show the notes as text, beat by beat
Bar 1 · Cm
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | G4Eb4C4 | G4Eb4C4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | C3 | G3 |
Bar 2 · Ab
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | Eb4C4Ab3 | Eb4C4Ab3 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | Ab2 | Eb3 |
Bar 3 · Fm
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | C5Ab4F4 | C5Ab4F4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | F2 | C3 |
Bar 4 · G7
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | F5D5B4G4 | F5D5B4G4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | G2 | D3 |
Famous Songs Using the Circle (Cm)
Well-known songs that use this progression
"Eye of the Tiger"
Cm - Bb - AbEnergetic and martial rhythm built on C minor.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Circle (Cm)
Concrete, direct answers on fingering, strumming, and music theory
Which chords make up the Cm harmonic circle and what order are they played in?
The Cm harmonic circle consists of four chords following the i - VI - iv - V7 formula: Cm - Ab - Fm - 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 Cm harmonic circle?
The Cm circle is a timeless progression widely used in acoustic pop, classic rock, and folk ballads. Its cyclical movement (Cm - Ab - Fm - G7) supports hundreds of well-known vocal melodies.
What is the harmonic function of each chord in the Cm circle?
In the Cm circle, the first chord (Cm) provides the home tonic (Degree I/i); the second (Ab) introduces relative contrast; the third (Fm) 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 Cm harmonic circle?
To build muscle memory and steady rhythm on the Cm 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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