B Minor Circle (Bm)
i - VI - iv - V7 progression in B minor with G major and F#7
B minor sets a fret 2 barre with finger 1 and finger 3 on fret 4 of string 4. Moving to G major the hand opens into the triangle on frets 2, 3, and 2. For E minor climb the diagonal stair on frets 2, 3, and 4. Moving to F#7 place fingers on frets 3, 2, 4, and 4.
How the chords connect in B minor
The progression
Bm, G, Em and F#7 make up the B minor circle, as degrees i, VI, iv and V7. At 86 beats per minute, each bar of 4/4 lasts about 2.8 seconds and the whole round about 11.2.
The notes of each chord
Bm holds B, D and F#. In G you hear G, B and D. Em holds E, G and B. In F#7 you hear F#, A#, C# and E.
From one chord to the next
Bm and G keep B and D in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From G to Em, G and B stay, and two hand positions stay put. Em and F#7 keep E in common. Also, one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from F#7 to Bm, A# rises a semitone to B and E falls a whole tone to D. The two chords share F#.
The hand
Bm needs a barre at fret 2. G rings with string 4 open and three fretted positions. Em presses three positions and leaves string 4 open. F#7 presses four positions and leaves no string open. The highest fret in the circle is fret 4, in Bm. Bm uses a barre.
Key map: Bm
- Key signature
- 2 sharps
- Scale notes
- B – C# – D – E – F# – G – A
The 7 chords of the key
- iBm
- ii°C#dim
- IIID
- ivEm
- VF#
- VIG
- VIIA
In minor, V is major thanks to the leading tone (raised 7th degree).
- Relative key
- D
B Minor Circle (Bm) circle for ukulele
Bm 4222 · G 0232 · Em 0432 · F#7 3424
Show ukulele tab and notation
Questions about this ukulele circle
How do you switch from B minor to G major without getting stuck?
Release the B minor barre while bringing your elbow slightly toward your body, allowing the three fingers of the G triangle to land together.
What does G major bring to the B minor circle?
It acts as the flat VI chord, bringing a warm, hopeful breath of light into the brooding atmosphere of B minor.
What tempo helps build solid chord transitions here?
Starting at 86 BPM gives you enough time to move cleanly between the barre and open shapes.