Harmonic Circles
Harmonic Circle of G Minor (Gm)
I – vi – ii – V7Harmonic progression with an interactive player and guitar diagrams.
Sequence and Tonal Functions of the Circle Gm
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 G minor
The progression
This circle goes through Gm, Eb, Cm and D7, which in G minor are degrees i, VI, iv and V7.
The notes of each chord
In Gm you hear G, Bb and D. Eb holds Eb, G and Bb. In Cm you hear C, Eb and G. D7 holds D, F#, A and C.
From one chord to the next
From Gm to Eb, G and Bb stay, but no fretted position repeats. Eb and Cm share Eb and G, though the hand changes shape. From Cm to D7, C stays, but no fretted position repeats.
Back to the start
Going back from D7 to Gm, F# rises a semitone to G and C falls a whole tone to Bb. The two chords share D.
The hand
Gm takes a barre at fret 3. Eb needs a barre at fret 6, leaving string 6 unplayed. Cm takes a barre at fret 3, leaving string 6 unplayed. D7 presses three positions and leaves string 4 open, leaving strings 6 and 5 unplayed. The highest fret in the circle is fret 8, in Eb. Gm, Eb and Cm use a barre.
Gm harmonic circle diagram
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Key map: Gm
- Key signature
- 2 flats
- Scale notes
- G – A – Bb – C – D – Eb – F
The 7 chords of the key
In minor, V is major thanks to the leading tone (raised 7th degree).
- Relative key
- Bb
- How to play it with a capo
- Em shapes + capo on fret 3Dm shapes + capo on fret 5
Download the printable A4 sheet (this circle and 3 more)The Gm circle for guitar
The thumb plays the 6th string for Gm, the 5th string for Eb and Cm, and the 4th string for D7.
Show tab and notation
Show the piano version (grand staff)
The Gm circle on the staff
The left hand plays G, Eb, C, and D in the bass.
Loading score…
Show the notes as text, beat by beat
Bar 1 · Gm
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | D5Bb4G4 | D5Bb4G4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | G2 | D3 |
Bar 2 · Eb
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | Bb4G4Eb4 | Bb4G4Eb4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | Eb3 | Bb3 |
Bar 3 · Cm
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | G4Eb4C4 | G4Eb4C4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | C3 | G3 |
Bar 4 · D7
| Count | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand (RH) | C5A4F#4D4 | C5A4F#4D4 | ||
| Left hand (LH) | D3 | A3 |
Famous Songs Using the Circle (Gm)
Well-known songs that use this progression
"Hit the Road Jack"
Gm - F - Eb - D7Cadential Andalusian chromatic descent in G minor.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Circle (Gm)
Concrete, direct answers on fingering, strumming, and music theory
Which chords make up the Gm harmonic circle and what order are they played in?
The Gm harmonic circle consists of four chords following the i - VI - iv - V7 formula: Gm - Eb - Cm - D7. 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 Gm harmonic circle?
The Gm circle is a timeless progression widely used in acoustic pop, classic rock, and folk ballads. Its cyclical movement (Gm - Eb - Cm - D7) supports hundreds of well-known vocal melodies.
What is the harmonic function of each chord in the Gm circle?
In the Gm circle, the first chord (Gm) provides the home tonic (Degree I/i); the second (Eb) introduces relative contrast; the third (Cm) prepares motion; and the fourth (D7) creates dominant seventh tension (V7) resolving smoothly back to the tonic.
What is the best strumming pattern to practice the Gm harmonic circle?
To build muscle memory and steady rhythm on the Gm 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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