A Major Circle (A)
I - vi - ii - V7 progression in A major featuring F# minor and E7
A major takes finger 2 on fret 2 of string 4 and finger 1 on fret 1 of string 3. For F# minor keep the A shape and add finger 3 on fret 2 of string 2. Moving to B minor lay a barre on fret 2 with finger 3 on fret 4 of string 4. For E7 place finger 1 on fret 1 of string 4, finger 2 on fret 2 of string 3, and finger 3 on fret 2 of string 1.
How the chords connect in A major
The progression
A, F#m, Bm and E7 make up the A major circle, as degrees I, vi, ii and V7. At 88 beats per minute, each bar of 4/4 lasts about 2.7 seconds and the whole round about 10.9.
The notes of each chord
A holds A, C# and E. In F#m you hear F#, A and C#. Bm holds B, D and F#. In E7 you hear E, G#, B and D.
From one chord to the next
A and F#m keep A and C# in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From F#m to Bm, F# stays, and one hand position stays put. Bm and E7 keep B and D in common. Also, two hand positions stay put.
Back to the start
Going back from E7 to A, G# rises a semitone to A and D falls a semitone to C#. The two chords share E.
The hand
A presses two positions and leaves two strings open. F#m rings with string 1 open and three fretted positions. Bm needs a barre at fret 2. E7 rings with string 2 open and three fretted positions. The highest fret in the circle is fret 4, in Bm. Bm uses a barre.
Key map: A
- Key signature
- 3 sharps
- Scale notes
- A – B – C# – D – E – F# – G#
The 7 chords of the key
- IA
- iiBm
- iiiC#m
- IVD
- VE
- viF#m
- vii°G#dim
- Relative key
- F#m
A Major Circle (A) circle for ukulele
A 2100 · F#m 2120 · Bm 4222 · E7 1202
Show ukulele tab and notation
Questions about this ukulele circle
Why is switching from A to F sharp minor so seamless on ukulele?
Fingers 1 and 2 stay completely in place while finger 3 drops right into fret 2 of string 2 without moving the hand.
How do you prevent muting the open string 2 on E7?
Keep the tips of fingers 2 and 3 strictly perpendicular to the fretboard so string 2 vibrates freely between them.
Which playing style best brings out the character of the A circle?
A 4-string fingerpicking arpeggio (p-i-m-a) highlights the ring of open chords set against the B minor barre.