F Major Circle (F)
I - vi - ii - V7 progression in F major with smooth F to Dm transition
F major is formed with finger 1 on fret 1 of string 2 and finger 2 on fret 2 of string 4. Moving to D minor is effortless: keep the F shape intact and simply drop finger 3 onto fret 2 of string 3. For G minor reposition with finger 1 on fret 1 of string 1, finger 2 on fret 2 of string 3, and finger 3 on fret 3 of string 2. Moving to C7 requires only finger 1 on fret 1 of string 1.
How the chords connect in F major
The progression
This circle goes through F, Dm, Gm and C7, which in F 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 F you hear F, A and C. Dm holds D, F and A. In Gm you hear G, Bb and D. C7 holds C, E, G and Bb.
From one chord to the next
From F to Dm, F and A stay, and two hand positions stay put. Dm and Gm keep D in common. Also, one hand position stays put. From Gm to C7, G and Bb stay, and one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from C7 to F, E rises a semitone to F and Bb falls a semitone to A. The two chords share C.
The hand
F rings with two strings open and two fretted positions. Dm presses three positions and leaves string 1 open. Gm rings with string 4 open and three fretted positions. C7 presses one position and leaves three strings open. The highest fret in the circle is fret 3, in Gm. None of the four chords uses a barre.
Key map: F
- Key signature
- 1 flat
- Scale notes
- F – G – A – Bb – C – D – E
The 7 chords of the key
- IF
- iiGm
- iiiAm
- IVBb
- VC
- viDm
- vii°Edim
- Relative key
- Dm
F Major Circle (F) circle for ukulele
F 2010 · Dm 2210 · Gm 0231 · C7 0001
Show ukulele tab and notation
Questions about this ukulele circle
How do you place your fingers for G minor on ukulele?
Place finger 1 on fret 1 of string 1, finger 2 on fret 2 of string 3, and finger 3 on fret 3 of string 2, leaving string 4 open.
Why does C7 feel like a resting chord in this progression?
Because it only requires pressing fret 1 of string 1, allowing your left hand to relax before returning to F major.
Which rhythm fits the F circle best on ukulele?
A light strum at 90 BPM accentuates the bright nylon overtones and brings a breezy feel to the progression.