Db Major Circle (Db)
I - vi - ii - V7 progression in Db major with Bb minor and Ab7
Db major is played with a barre across fret 1 of strings 4, 3, and 2 with finger 1, while pinky reaches fret 4 of string 1. Moving to Bb minor keep the fret 1 barre and place finger 3 on fret 3 of string 4. For Eb minor cover frets 3, 3, 2, and 1. Moving to Ab7 place fingers on frets 1, 3, 2, and 3 across the four strings.
How the chords connect in Db major
The progression
This circle goes through Db, Bbm, Ebm and Ab7, which in Db major are degrees I, vi, ii 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 Db you hear Db, F and Ab. Bbm holds Bb, Db and F. In Ebm you hear Eb, Gb and Bb. Ab7 holds Ab, C, Eb and Gb.
From one chord to the next
From Db to Bbm, Db and F stay, and two hand positions stay put. Bbm and Ebm keep Bb in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From Ebm to Ab7, Eb and Gb stay, and two hand positions stay put.
Back to the start
Going back from Ab7 to Db, C rises a semitone to Db and Gb falls a semitone to F. The two chords share Ab.
The hand
Db takes a barre at fret 1. Bbm needs a barre at fret 1. Ebm presses four positions and leaves no string open. Ab7 presses four positions and leaves no string open. The highest fret in the circle is fret 4, in Db. Db and Bbm use a barre.
Key map: Db
- Key signature
- 5 flats
- Scale notes
- Db – Eb – F – Gb – Ab – Bb – C
The 7 chords of the key
- IDb
- iiEbm
- iiiFm
- IVGb
- VAb
- viBbm
- vii°Cdim
- Relative key
- Bbm
Db Major Circle (Db) circle for ukulele
Db 1114 · Bbm 3111 · Ebm 3321 · Ab7 1323
Show ukulele tab and notation
Questions about this ukulele circle
How do you reach fret 4 comfortably with your pinky in D flat?
Lower your thumb to the center back of the neck, which widens your hand angle and extends the pinky reach without straining the wrist.
What is the benefit of the shared fret 1 barre between D flat and B flat minor?
Your index finger stays anchored as a pivot, making the transition swift without cutting the resonance.
How should you practice rhythm in the D flat circle?
Practice at 80 BPM with gentle strumming or arpeggios to verify that every barred note sounds clear without buzzing.