G Minor Circle (Gm)
i - VI - iv - V7 progression in G minor with Eb major and D7
G minor uses 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. Moving to Eb major keep finger 1 on fret 1 of string 1 while fingers 2 and 3 slide to fret 3 of strings 3 and 2. For C minor lay a half-barre on fret 3 across strings 3, 2, and 1. For D7 lay a flat barre on fret 2 with finger 2 on fret 3 of string 1.
How the chords connect in G minor
The progression
This circle goes through Gm, Eb, Cm and D7, which in G minor are degrees i, VI, iv and V7. At 88 beats per minute, each bar of 4/4 lasts about 2.7 seconds and the whole round about 10.9.
The notes of each chord
In Gm you hear G, Bb and D. Eb holds Eb, G and Bb. In Cm you hear C, Eb and G. D7 holds D, F#, A and C.
From one chord to the next
From Gm to Eb, G and Bb stay, and two hand positions stay put. Eb and Cm keep Eb and G in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From Cm to D7, C stays, and one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from D7 to Gm, F# rises a semitone to G and C falls a whole tone to Bb. The two chords share D.
The hand
Gm rings with string 4 open and three fretted positions. Eb presses three positions and leaves string 4 open. Cm takes a barre at fret 3. D7 needs a barre at fret 2. The highest fret in the circle is fret 3, in Gm. Cm and D7 use a barre.
Key map: Gm
- Key signature
- 2 flats
- Scale notes
- G – A – Bb – C – D – Eb – F
The 7 chords of the key
- iGm
- ii°Adim
- IIIBb
- ivCm
- VD
- VIEb
- VIIF
In minor, V is major thanks to the leading tone (raised 7th degree).
- Relative key
- Bb
G Minor Circle (Gm) circle for ukulele
Gm 0231 · Eb 0331 · Cm 0333 · D7 2223
Show ukulele tab and notation
Questions about this ukulele circle
Why is finger 1 the key anchor between G minor and E flat?
Because it stays planted on fret 1 of string 1, steering the other fingers without losing your place on the neck.
How do you switch smoothly from E flat to C minor on ukulele?
Simply lift finger 1 from string 1 and lay a flat partial barre across fret 3 where fingers 2 and 3 are already resting.
Which rhythm works best for practicing the G minor circle?
A steady tempo of 88 BPM with standard strumming or arpeggios highlights the dramatic lift from D7 back to G minor.