Harmonic Circles
Harmonic Circle of E Minor (Em)
I – vi – ii – V7Harmonic progression with an interactive player and guitar diagrams.
Sequence and Tonal Functions of the Circle Em
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 E minor
The progression
This circle goes through Em, C, Am and B7, which in E minor are degrees i, VI, iv and V7.
The notes of each chord
In Em you hear E, G and B. C holds C, E and G. In Am you hear A, C and E. B7 holds B, D#, F# and A.
From one chord to the next
From Em to C, E and G stay, and one hand position stays put. C and Am keep C and E in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From Am to B7, A stays, and one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from B7 to Em, D# rises a semitone to E and A falls a whole tone to G. The two chords share B.
The hand
Em rings with four strings open and two fretted positions. 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. B7 presses four positions and leaves string 2 open, leaving string 6 unplayed. The highest fret in the circle is fret 3, in C. None of the four chords uses a barre.
Em harmonic circle diagram
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Key map: Em
- Key signature
- 1 sharp
- Scale notes
- E – F# – G – A – B – C – D
The 7 chords of the key
In minor, V is major thanks to the leading tone (raised 7th degree).
- Relative key
- G
- How to play it with a capo
- open shapes, no capoDm shapes + capo on fret 2Am shapes + capo on fret 7
Download the printable A4 sheet (this circle and 3 more)The Em circle for guitar
The thumb plays the 6th string for Em and the 5th string for C, Am, and B7.
Show tab and notation
Show the piano version (grand staff)
The Em circle on the staff
The left hand plays E, C, A, and B in the bass.
Loading score…
Show the notes as text, beat by beat
Bar 1 · Em
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | B4G4E4 | B4G4E4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | E3 | B3 |
Bar 2 · C
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | G4E4C4 | G4E4C4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | C3 | G3 |
Bar 3 · Am
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | E4C4A3 | E4C4A3 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | A2 | E3 |
Bar 4 · B7
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | A4F#4D#4B3 | A4F#4D#4B3 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | B2 | F#3 |
Famous Songs Using the Circle (Em)
Well-known songs that use this progression
"Nothing Else Matters"
Em - D - C - G - B7Fingerstyle introduction that transitions through the harmonic cadence in E minor.
"Zombie"
Em - C - G - DCircular minor four-chord progression with high percussive energy.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Circle (Em)
Concrete, direct answers on fingering, strumming, and music theory
Which chords make up the Em harmonic circle and what order are they played in?
The Em harmonic circle consists of four chords following the i - VI - iv - V7 formula: Em - C - Am - B7. 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 Em harmonic circle?
The Em harmonic circle is used in worldwide hit songs such as "Nothing Else Matters" (Metallica), "Zombie" (The Cranberries). In these works, the Em - C - Am - B7 cycle creates a continuous loop of home, movement, tension, and resolution.
What is the harmonic function of each chord in the Em circle?
In the Em circle, the first chord (Em) provides the home tonic (Degree I/i); the second (C) introduces relative contrast; the third (Am) prepares motion; and the fourth (B7) creates dominant seventh tension (V7) resolving smoothly back to the tonic.
What is the best strumming pattern to practice the Em harmonic circle?
To build muscle memory and steady rhythm on the Em 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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