G Major Circle (G)
I - vi - ii - V7 progression in G major resolving to D7
G major uses a compact triangle: fingers 1 and 2 on fret 2 of strings 3 and 1, with finger 3 on fret 3 of string 2. Moving to E minor build the diagonal stair across frets 2, 3, and 4. Toward A minor place finger 2 on fret 2 of string 4 and keep the rest open. For Hawaiian D7 use a half-barre on fret 2 with finger 1 while finger 2 covers fret 3 on string 1.
How the chords connect in G major
The progression
G, Em, Am and D7 make up the G major circle, as degrees I, vi, ii and V7. At 92 beats per minute, each bar of 4/4 lasts about 2.6 seconds and the whole round about 10.4.
The notes of each chord
G holds G, B and D. In Em you hear E, G and B. Am holds A, C and E. In D7 you hear D, F#, A and C.
From one chord to the next
G and Em keep G and B in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From Em to Am, E stays, but no fretted position repeats. Am and D7 keep A and C in common. Also, one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from D7 to G, F# rises a semitone to G and C falls a semitone to B. The two chords share D.
The hand
G presses three positions and leaves string 4 open. Em rings with string 4 open and three fretted positions. Am presses one position and leaves three strings open. D7 takes a barre at fret 2. The highest fret in the circle is fret 4, in Em. D7 uses a barre.
Key map: G
- Key signature
- 1 sharp
- Scale notes
- G – A – B – C – D – E – F#
The 7 chords of the key
- IG
- iiAm
- iiiBm
- IVC
- VD
- viEm
- vii°F#dim
- Relative key
- Em
G Major Circle (G) circle for ukulele
G 0232 · Em 0432 · Am 2000 · D7 2223
Show ukulele tab and notation
Questions about this ukulele circle
How do you transition from G to E minor without losing tempo on ukulele?
Your first finger on fret 2 of string 1 acts as a guide while fingers 2 and 3 slide into frets 3 and 4 without lifting your palm.
What is the difference between Hawaiian D7 and standard D7 on ukulele?
Hawaiian D7 uses a half-barre at fret 2 with an added note on fret 3 of string 1, creating a warmer, sweeter island resonance.
What tempo is recommended for practicing this progression?
A tempo of 92 BPM helps maintain a steady 4/4 groove while shifting cleanly between standard strumming and arpeggios.