D Major Circle (D)
I - vi - ii - V7 progression in D major with B minor barre and A7 resolution
For D major press fret 2 of strings 4, 3, and 2 with fingers 1, 2, and 3 leaving string 1 open. Moving to B minor lay a flat barre with finger 1 on fret 2 and add finger 3 on fret 4 of string 4. For E minor build the diagonal across frets 2, 3, and 4. Moving to A7 press fret 1 of string 3 with finger 1 while leaving strings 4, 2, and 1 open.
How the chords connect in D major
The progression
This circle goes through D, Bm, Em and A7, which in D major are degrees I, vi, ii and V7. At 90 beats per minute, each bar of 4/4 lasts about 2.7 seconds and the whole round about 10.7.
The notes of each chord
In D you hear D, F# and A. Bm holds B, D and F#. In Em you hear E, G and B. A7 holds A, C#, E and G.
From one chord to the next
From D to Bm, D and F# stay, and two hand positions stay put. Bm and Em keep B in common. Also, one hand position stays put. From Em to A7, E and G stay, but no fretted position repeats.
Back to the start
Going back from A7 to D, C# rises a semitone to D and G falls a semitone to F#. The two chords share A.
The hand
D rings with string 1 open and three fretted positions. Bm needs a barre at fret 2. Em rings with string 4 open and three fretted positions. A7 presses one position and leaves three strings open. The highest fret in the circle is fret 4, in Bm. Bm uses a barre.
Key map: D
- Key signature
- 2 sharps
- Scale notes
- D – E – F# – G – A – B – C#
The 7 chords of the key
- ID
- iiEm
- iiiF#m
- IVG
- VA
- viBm
- vii°C#dim
- Relative key
- Bm
D Major Circle (D) circle for ukulele
D 2220 · Bm 4222 · Em 0432 · A7 0100
Show ukulele tab and notation
Questions about this ukulele circle
How do you fit three fingers together on fret 2 for D major on ukulele?
Stack fingers 1, 2, and 3 on a slight diagonal slant or drop your thumb behind the neck to give the fingertips room to curve.
How do you keep the B minor barre clean and buzz-free on ukulele?
Rest the bony outer side of your index finger flush against the fret wire while finger 3 clamps down firmly on string 4.
Why is A7 so relaxing to close the progression in D major?
It only requires holding down a single string with finger 1, giving your entire fretting hand a moment to reset.