F Minor Circle (Fm)
i - VI - iv - V7 progression in F minor with Db major and C7
F minor uses finger 1 on fret 1 of string 4, finger 2 on fret 1 of string 2, and finger 4 on fret 3 of string 1 leaving string 3 open. For Db major lay a fret 1 barre on strings 4, 3, and 2 with finger 4 on fret 4 of string 1. For Bb minor keep the barre and add finger 3 on fret 3 of string 4. For C7 simply place finger 1 on fret 1 of string 1.
How the chords connect in F minor
The progression
Fm, Db, Bbm and C7 make up the F minor circle, as degrees i, VI, iv and V7. At 82 beats per minute, each bar of 4/4 lasts about 2.9 seconds and the whole round about 11.7.
The notes of each chord
Fm holds F, Ab and C. In Db you hear Db, F and Ab. Bbm holds Bb, Db and F. In C7 you hear C, E, G and Bb.
From one chord to the next
Fm and Db keep F and Ab in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From Db to Bbm, Db and F stay, and two hand positions stay put. Bbm and C7 keep Bb in common. Also, one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from C7 to Fm, E rises a semitone to F and Bb falls a whole tone to Ab. The two chords share C.
The hand
Fm presses three positions and leaves string 3 open. Db takes a barre at fret 1. Bbm needs a barre at fret 1. C7 rings with three strings open and one fretted position. The highest fret in the circle is fret 4, in Db. Db and Bbm use a barre.
Key map: Fm
- Key signature
- 4 flats
- Scale notes
- F – G – Ab – Bb – C – Db – Eb
The 7 chords of the key
- iFm
- ii°Gdim
- IIIAb
- ivBbm
- VC
- VIDb
- VIIEb
In minor, V is major thanks to the leading tone (raised 7th degree).
- Relative key
- Ab
F Minor Circle (Fm) circle for ukulele
Fm 1013 · Db 1114 · Bbm 3111 · C7 0001
Show ukulele tab and notation
Questions about this ukulele circle
Why does the open third string in F minor ring so fully?
The open C is the perfect fifth of F, giving the chord prolonged acoustic sustain that enriches the ukulele tone.
How do you switch smoothly between D flat and B flat minor?
Keep the fret 1 barre anchored and simply shift finger 3 to fret 3 of string 4.
Why is C7 such a relaxing chord in this circle?
Because it only uses a single finger on fret 1, allowing the hand to release tension before heading back to F minor.