Harmonic Circles
Harmonic Circle of D Major (D)
I – vi – ii – V7Harmonic progression with an interactive player and guitar diagrams.
Sequence and Tonal Functions of the Circle D
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 D major
The progression
This circle goes through D, Bm, Em and A7, which in D major are degrees I, vi, ii and V7.
The notes of each chord
In D you hear D, F# and A. Bm holds B, D and F#. In Em you hear E, G and B. A7 holds A, C#, E and G.
From one chord to the next
From D to Bm, D and F# stay, and two hand positions stay put. Bm and Em keep B in common. Also, one hand position stays put. From Em to A7, E and G stay, and one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from A7 to D, C# rises a semitone to D and G falls a semitone to F#. The two chords share A.
The hand
D rings with string 4 open and three fretted positions, leaving strings 6 and 5 unplayed. Bm needs a barre at fret 2, leaving string 6 unplayed. Em rings with four strings open and two fretted positions. A7 presses two positions and leaves three strings open, leaving string 6 unplayed. The highest fret in the circle is fret 4, in Bm. Bm uses a barre.
D harmonic circle diagram
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Key map: D
- Key signature
- 2 sharps
- Scale notes
- D – E – F# – G – A – B – C#
- Relative key
- Bm
- How to play it with a capo
- open shapes, no capoC shapes + capo on fret 2A shapes + capo on fret 5G shapes + capo on fret 7
Download the printable A4 sheet (this circle and 3 more)The D circle for guitar
The thumb plays the 4th string for D, the 5th string for Bm and A7, and the 6th string for Em.
Show tab and notation
Show the piano version (grand staff)
The D circle on the staff
The left hand plays D, B, E, and A in the bass.
Loading score…
Show the notes as text, beat by beat
Bar 1 · D
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | A4F#4D4 | A4F#4D4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | D3 | A3 |
Bar 2 · Bm
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | F#4D4B3 | F#4D4B3 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | B2 | F#3 |
Bar 3 · Em
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | B4G4E4 | B4G4E4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | E3 | B3 |
Bar 4 · A7
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | G4E4C#4A3 | G4E4C#4A3 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | A2 | E3 |
Famous Songs Using the Circle (D)
Well-known songs that use this progression
"Stay"
D - Bm - G - ASixties doo-wop progression articulated over the D circle.
"Duke of Earl"
D - Bm - Em - A7Complete diatonic cadential cycle I - vi - ii - V in D Major.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Circle (D)
Concrete, direct answers on fingering, strumming, and music theory
Which chords make up the D harmonic circle and what order are they played in?
The D harmonic circle consists of four chords following the I - vi - ii - V7 formula: D - Bm - Em - A7. 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 D harmonic circle?
The D harmonic circle is used in worldwide hit songs such as "Stay" (Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs), "Duke of Earl" (Gene Chandler). In these works, the D - Bm - Em - A7 cycle creates a continuous loop of home, movement, tension, and resolution.
What is the harmonic function of each chord in the D circle?
In the D circle, the first chord (D) provides the home tonic (Degree I/i); the second (Bm) introduces relative contrast; the third (Em) prepares motion; and the fourth (A7) creates dominant seventh tension (V7) resolving smoothly back to the tonic.
What is the best strumming pattern to practice the D harmonic circle?
To build muscle memory and steady rhythm on the D 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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