Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
Circle Harry Chapin

 "Circle" by Harry Chapin is a folk classic known for its simple, heartfelt melody and gentle rhythm. The original recording features acoustic guitar with a laid-back, flowing feel that makes it accessible for beginners.

How to Play "Circle" on Guitar

Chords: The song uses basic open chords: D, Dsus2, Em, Em7, G, A, and A7. These are beginner-friendly and require minimal finger stretching.

Chord Transitions: Practice moving between D and Dsus2 for the intro. Dsus2 is played by removing your middle finger from the D chord. For Em to Em7, simply lift your ring finger. Practice A to A7 by lifting your middle finger.

Strumming Pattern: Start with a slow, steady down-down-up-up-down-up pattern. For a softer folk feel, use mostly the thumb or a gentle pick. Keep the rhythm even throughout, matching the song's smooth, circular theme.

Techniques: Let chords ring out fully; avoid muting strings unintentionally. Use light finger pressure to keep the sound clean. For the intro, play each chord for one bar. Verses and chorus flow with one chord per measure unless indicated.

Tips for Beginners: Focus on smooth transitions, especially between D, Em7, and G. Play slowly at first, then speed up as you gain confidence. Sing along if you can; it helps with timing and memorization.

Enjoy playing! This song is perfect for practice and singalongs.

EADGBEXX D
EADGBE Dsus2
EADGBE Em7
EADGBE Em
EADGBEX A7
EADGBE G
EADGBEX A
Intro
D D D D
D D Dsus2 D
Verse 1
D All my life's a circle, sunrise and sunEm7 down
TheEm moon rolls thru theEm7 nighttime, til the dayA7 break comes aD round
All my life's a circle, but I can't tell youG why
Season's spinning round aA7 gain, theG years keepA rollin'D by
Verse 2
D It seems like I've been here before, I can't rememberEm7 when, yes I can
And IEm got this funnyEm7 feeling, that we'llA7 all be together aD gain
There's no straight lines make up my life and all my roads haveG bends
There's no clear-cut beA7 ginnings, andG so farA no deadD ends
Verse 3
D I found you a thousand times, I guess you done theEm7 same
ButEm then we lose eachEm7 other, it's justA7 like a children'sD game
As I find you here again, a thought runs through myG mind
Our love is like aA7 circle, let'sG go 'roundA one moreD time
Chorus
D All my life's a circle, sunrise and sunEm7 down
TheEm moon rolls thru theEm7 nighttime, til the dayA7 break comes aD round
All my life's a circle, but I can't tell youG why
Season's spinning round aA7 gain, theG years keepA rollin'D by
Outro
And theEm years, keep onA rollin',D byG A D