E Minor Circle (Em)
i - VI - iv - V7 progression in E minor with resolution through B7
E minor uses an ascending diagonal: finger 1 on fret 2 of string 1, finger 2 on fret 3 of string 2, and finger 3 on fret 4 of string 3, leaving string 4 open. Moving to C major release the shape and touch fret 3 on string 1 with finger 3. For A minor switch to finger 2 on fret 2 of string 4. For B7 lay a flat barre with finger 1 on fret 2 and add finger 2 on fret 3 of string 3.
How the chords connect in E minor
The progression
This circle goes through Em, C, Am and B7, which in E minor are degrees i, VI, iv 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
In Em you hear E, G and B. C holds C, E and G. In Am you hear A, C and E. B7 holds B, D#, F# and A.
From one chord to the next
From Em to C, E and G stay, but no fretted position repeats. C and Am share C and E, though the hand changes shape. From Am to B7, A stays, and one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from B7 to Em, D# rises a semitone to E and A falls a whole tone to G. The two chords share B.
The hand
Em rings with string 4 open and three fretted positions. C presses one position and leaves three strings open. Am rings with three strings open and one fretted position. B7 needs a barre at fret 2. The highest fret in the circle is fret 4, in Em. B7 uses a barre.
Key map: Em
- Key signature
- 1 sharp
- Scale notes
- E – F# – G – A – B – C – D
The 7 chords of the key
- iEm
- ii°F#dim
- IIIG
- ivAm
- VB
- VIC
- VIID
In minor, V is major thanks to the leading tone (raised 7th degree).
- Relative key
- G
E Minor Circle (Em) circle for ukulele
Em 0432 · C 0003 · Am 2000 · B7 2322
Show ukulele tab and notation
Questions about this ukulele circle
How do you master the B7 barre on ukulele?
Barring fret 2 requires placing your index finger close to the fret wire with a slight lateral tilt, ensuring strings 1, 2, and 4 ring clearly.
How do you position your fingers on the E minor staircase shape?
Curve your fingertips at ninety degrees to the fretboard to prevent finger 3 from touching the open fourth string.
Which playing technique suits the E minor circle best?
String by string fingerpicking enhances the introspective, dramatic quality of the minor key.