D# Minor Circle (D#m)
i - VI - iv - V7 progression in D# minor with B major and A#7
D# minor covers frets 3, 3, 2, and 1 with fingers 3, 4, 2, and 1. Moving to B major lay a fret 2 barre with finger 1 and fingers 2 and 3 on frets 3 and 4. For G# minor place fingers on frets 1, 3, 4, and 2. For A#7 lay a flat barre on fret 1 with finger 2 on fret 2 of string 3.
How the chords connect in D# minor
The progression
D#m, B, G#m and A#7 make up the D# minor circle, as degrees i, VI, iv and V7. At 78 beats per minute, each bar of 4/4 lasts about 3.1 seconds and the whole round about 12.3.
The notes of each chord
D#m holds D#, F# and A#. In B you hear B, D# and F#. G#m holds G#, B and D#. In A#7 you hear A#, C##, E# and G#.
From one chord to the next
D#m and B keep D# and F# in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From B to G#m, B and D# stay, and two hand positions stay put. G#m and A#7 keep G# in common. Also, one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from A#7 to D#m, C## rises a semitone to D# and G# falls a whole tone to F#. The two chords share A#.
The hand
D#m presses four positions and leaves no string open. B takes a barre at fret 2. G#m presses four positions and leaves no string open. A#7 takes a barre at fret 1. The highest fret in the circle is fret 4, in B. B and A#7 use a barre.
Key map: D#m
- Key signature
- 6 sharps
- Scale notes
- D# – E# – F# – G# – A# – B – C#
The 7 chords of the key
- iD#m
- ii°E#dim
- IIIF#
- ivG#m
- VA#
- VIB
- VIIC#
In minor, V is major thanks to the leading tone (raised 7th degree).
- Relative key
- F#
D# Minor Circle (D#m) circle for ukulele
D#m 3321 · B 4322 · G#m 1342 · A#7 1211
Show ukulele tab and notation
Questions about this ukulele circle
How do you position your fingers in D sharp minor to avoid muted strings?
Arch fingers 3 and 4 cleanly over the upper strings so they never brush against fret 2 of string 2.
What defines the tone of D sharp minor?
It combines closed fretboard shapes with low frets, producing a deep, contained tone on the ukulele.
What tempo is recommended for practicing this circle?
A gentle tempo of 78 BPM gives you time to align fret 1 and 2 barre shapes without overworking your tendons.