E Major Circle (E)
I - vi - ii - V7 progression in E major with C# minor and B7 barres
For E major press fret 2 of string 1 with finger 1 and barre fret 4 across strings 4, 3, and 2 with finger 3. For C# minor keep the fret 4 barre and place finger 1 on fret 1 of string 4. For F# minor move to open position with fingers on frets 2 and 1. For B7 lay a flat barre across fret 2 with finger 2 on fret 3 of string 3.
How the chords connect in E major
The progression
E, C#m, F#m and B7 make up the E major circle, as degrees I, vi, ii and V7. At 84 beats per minute, each bar of 4/4 lasts about 2.9 seconds and the whole round about 11.4.
The notes of each chord
E holds E, G# and B. In C#m you hear C#, E and G#. F#m holds F#, A and C#. In B7 you hear B, D#, F# and A.
From one chord to the next
E and C#m keep E and G# in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From C#m to F#m, C# stays, but no fretted position repeats. F#m and B7 keep F# and A in common. Also, two hand positions stay put.
Back to the start
Going back from B7 to E, D# rises a semitone to E and A falls a semitone to G#. The two chords share B.
The hand
E needs a barre at fret 4. C#m takes a barre at fret 4. F#m presses three positions and leaves string 1 open. B7 takes a barre at fret 2. The highest fret in the circle is fret 4, in E. E, C#m and B7 use a barre.
Key map: E
- Key signature
- 4 sharps
- Scale notes
- E – F# – G# – A – B – C# – D#
The 7 chords of the key
- IE
- iiF#m
- iiiG#m
- IVA
- VB
- viC#m
- vii°D#dim
- Relative key
- C#m
E Major Circle (E) circle for ukulele
E 4442 · C#m 1444 · F#m 2120 · B7 2322
Show ukulele tab and notation
Questions about this ukulele circle
How can you make fretting E major easier on ukulele?
Arch your ring finger or use a mini-barre over strings 4, 3, and 2 while leaving string 1 clear at fret 2.
What connects E major and C sharp minor on ukulele?
Both chords anchor on fret 4 across the upper strings, allowing you to transition by repositioning only your index finger.
Why is B7 the harmonic engine of this circle?
Its dominant pull creates the decisive tension needed to resolve naturally back home to E major.