B Major Circle (B)
I - vi - ii - V7 progression in B major with second and fourth fret barres
B major sets a partial barre on fret 2 of strings 1 and 2 with finger 1, finger 2 on fret 3 of string 3, and finger 3 on fret 4 of string 4. For G# minor place finger 1 on fret 1 of string 4, finger 2 on fret 3 of string 3, finger 4 on fret 4 of string 2, and finger 3 on fret 2 of string 1. For C# minor slide a barre to fret 4 with finger 1 on fret 1 of string 4. For F#7 place fingers on frets 3, 2, 4, and 4.
How the chords connect in B major
The progression
This circle goes through B, G#m, C#m and F#7, which in B major are degrees I, vi, ii and V7. At 82 beats per minute, each bar of 4/4 lasts about 2.9 seconds and the whole round about 11.7.
The notes of each chord
In B you hear B, D# and F#. G#m holds G#, B and D#. In C#m you hear C#, E and G#. F#7 holds F#, A#, C# and E.
From one chord to the next
From B to G#m, B and D# stay, and two hand positions stay put. G#m and C#m keep G# in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From C#m to F#7, C# and E stay, and two hand positions stay put.
Back to the start
Going back from F#7 to B, A# rises a semitone to B and E falls a semitone to D#. The two chords share F#.
The hand
B takes a barre at fret 2. G#m presses four positions and leaves no string open. C#m takes a barre at fret 4. F#7 presses four positions and leaves no string open. The highest fret in the circle is fret 4, in B. B and C#m use a barre.
Key map: B
- Key signature
- 5 sharps
- Scale notes
- B – C# – D# – E – F# – G# – A#
The 7 chords of the key
- IB
- iiC#m
- iiiD#m
- IVE
- VF#
- viG#m
- vii°A#dim
- Relative key
- G#m
B Major Circle (B) circle for ukulele
B 4322 · G#m 1342 · C#m 1444 · F#7 3424
Show ukulele tab and notation
Questions about this ukulele circle
How can you maintain power on the B major barre on ukulele?
Keep your index finger close to the second fret metal wire without collapsing your wrist too far forward.
What technical challenge does G sharp minor present?
It uses all four fingers across four different strings over the first four frets, requiring knuckle flexibility.
Why does F sharp 7 lead so smoothly back to B major?
The A sharp on the third string serves as an ascending leading tone that resolves directly into the tonic B.