C# Minor Circle (C#m)
i - VI - iv - V7 progression in C# minor with A major and G#7
C# minor uses finger 1 on fret 1 of string 4 and fingers 2, 3, and 4 covering fret 4 of strings 3, 2, and 1. For A major release into open position with 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 G#7 place fingers on frets 1, 3, 2, and 3.
How the chords connect in C# minor
The progression
This circle goes through C#m, A, F#m and G#7, which in C# minor are degrees i, VI, iv and V7. At 80 beats per minute, each bar of 4/4 lasts about 3 seconds and the whole round about 12.
The notes of each chord
In C#m you hear C#, E and G#. A holds A, C# and E. In F#m you hear F#, A and C#. G#7 holds G#, B#, D# and F#.
From one chord to the next
From C#m to A, C# and E stay, but no fretted position repeats. A and F#m keep A and C# in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From F#m to G#7, F# stays, and one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from G#7 to C#m, B# rises a semitone to C# and F# falls a whole tone to E. The two chords share G#.
The hand
C#m takes a barre at fret 4. A presses two positions and leaves two strings open. F#m rings with string 1 open and three fretted positions. G#7 presses four positions and leaves no string open. The highest fret in the circle is fret 4, in C#m. C#m uses a barre.
Key map: C#m
- Key signature
- 4 sharps
- Scale notes
- C# – D# – E – F# – G# – A – B
The 7 chords of the key
- iC#m
- ii°D#dim
- IIIE
- ivF#m
- VG#
- VIA
- VIIB
In minor, V is major thanks to the leading tone (raised 7th degree).
- Relative key
- E
C# Minor Circle (C#m) circle for ukulele
C#m 1444 · A 2100 · F#m 2120 · G#7 1323
Show ukulele tab and notation
Questions about this ukulele circle
How do you master the C sharp minor shape on ukulele?
You can lay a partial barre across fret 4 with finger 3 while your index finger holds fret 1 on string 4.
What role does A major play within C sharp minor?
It acts as chord VI, bringing emotional warmth and openness after the tight density of the tonic chord.
Why is G sharp 7 essential in this circle?
Because it contains the leading tone B sharp which resolves directly upward into the root C sharp.