Harmonic Circles
Harmonic Circle of D Minor (Dm)
I – vi – ii – V7Harmonic progression with an interactive player and guitar diagrams.
Sequence and Tonal Functions of the Circle Dm
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 minor
The progression
Dm, Bb, Gm and A7 make up the D minor circle, as degrees i, VI, iv and V7.
The notes of each chord
Dm holds D, F and A. In Bb you hear Bb, D and F. Gm holds G, Bb and D. In A7 you hear A, C#, E and G.
From one chord to the next
Dm and Bb keep D and F in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From Bb to Gm, Bb and D stay, and two hand positions stay put. Gm and A7 share G, though the hand changes shape.
Back to the start
Going back from A7 to Dm, C# rises a semitone to D and G falls a whole tone to F. The two chords share A.
The hand
Dm presses three positions and leaves string 4 open, leaving strings 6 and 5 unplayed. Bb takes a barre at fret 1, leaving string 6 unplayed. Gm needs a barre at fret 3. A7 rings with three strings open and two fretted positions, leaving string 6 unplayed. The highest fret in the circle is fret 5, in Gm. Bb and Gm use a barre.
Dm harmonic circle diagram
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Key map: Dm
- Key signature
- 1 flat
- Scale notes
- D – E – F – G – A – Bb – C
The 7 chords of the key
In minor, V is major thanks to the leading tone (raised 7th degree).
- Relative key
- F
- How to play it with a capo
- open shapes, no capoAm shapes + capo on fret 5
Download the printable A4 sheet (this circle and 3 more)The Dm circle for guitar
The thumb plays the 4th string for Dm, the 5th string for Bb and A7, and the 6th string for Gm.
Show tab and notation
Show the piano version (grand staff)
The Dm circle on the staff
The left hand plays D, Bb, G, and A in the bass.
Loading score…
Show the notes as text, beat by beat
Bar 1 · Dm
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | A4F4D4 | A4F4D4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | D3 | A3 |
Bar 2 · Bb
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | F4D4Bb3 | F4D4Bb3 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | Bb2 | F3 |
Bar 3 · Gm
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | D5Bb4G4 | D5Bb4G4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | G2 | D3 |
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 (Dm)
Well-known songs that use this progression
"Sultans of Swing"
Dm - C - Bb - A7Andalusian cadence adapted to rock with resolution on A7.
"Besame Mucho"
Dm - Gm - A7 - DmAnthem of Mexican romantic music articulated in D minor.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Circle (Dm)
Concrete, direct answers on fingering, strumming, and music theory
Which chords make up the Dm harmonic circle and what order are they played in?
The Dm harmonic circle consists of four chords following the i - VI - iv - V7 formula: Dm - Bb - Gm - 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 Dm harmonic circle?
The Dm harmonic circle is used in worldwide hit songs such as "Sultans of Swing" (Dire Straits), "Besame Mucho" (Consuelo Velazquez). In these works, the Dm - Bb - Gm - A7 cycle creates a continuous loop of home, movement, tension, and resolution.
What is the harmonic function of each chord in the Dm circle?
In the Dm circle, the first chord (Dm) provides the home tonic (Degree I/i); the second (Bb) introduces relative contrast; the third (Gm) 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 Dm harmonic circle?
To build muscle memory and steady rhythm on the Dm 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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