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Circle of Fifths

The Circle of Fifths is the most important tool in music theory. It shows the relationships between all 12 keys, helps you understand key signatures, and reveals patterns in chord progressions.

Interactive Circle

C
G
D
A
E
B
F#
Gb
Db
Ab
Eb
Bb
F
Am
Em
Bm
F#m
C#m
G#m
D#m
Ebm
Bbm
Fm
Cm
Gm
Dm
5ths

Key Signatures Reference

Sharp Keys (Clockwise)

G Major / Em
F#
D Major / Bm
F#, C#
A Major / F#m
F#, C#, G#
E Major / C#m
F#, C#, G#, D#
B Major / G#m
F#, C#, G#, D#, A#
F# Major / D#m
F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#

Flat Keys (Counterclockwise)

C Major / Am
No accidentals
Gb Major / Ebm
Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb
Db Major / Bbm
Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb
Ab Major / Fm
Bb, Eb, Ab, Db
Eb Major / Cm
Bb, Eb, Ab
Bb Major / Gm
Bb, Eb
F Major / Dm
Bb

How to Use the Circle of Fifths

Finding Key Signatures

  • • Start at C (no sharps/flats)
  • • Move clockwise: each step adds one sharp
  • • Move counterclockwise: each step adds one flat
  • • Order of sharps: F# C# G# D# A# E# B#
  • • Order of flats: Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb Fb

Chord Progressions

  • • Adjacent keys work well together
  • • V-I progression: move clockwise one step
  • • IV-I progression: move counterclockwise one step
  • • ii-V-I: three consecutive keys
  • • Circle progressions follow the circle exactly

Modulation (Key Changes)

  • • Closest keys: one step away (1 note difference)
  • • Related keys: share many common chords
  • • Relative majors/minors: inner/outer circle
  • • Parallel keys: same root, different mode
  • • Distant keys: opposite sides of circle

Songwriting & Composition

  • • Choose a key center for your song
  • • Borrow chords from adjacent keys
  • • Create tension with distant keys
  • • Use relative minor for emotional contrast
  • • Plan key changes using the circle

Memory Tips & Tricks

Sharp Keys Mnemonic

"Good Dogs Always Eat Before Fishing"

G - D - A - E - B - F# (clockwise from C)

Flat Keys Mnemonic

"Father Brown Eats Apple Dumplings Gracefully"

F - Bb - Eb - Ab - Db - Gb (counterclockwise from C)

Finding Relative Minor

Count down 3 semitones from the major key root

C major → A minor, G major → E minor, etc.

Perfect Fifth Interval

Each step is exactly 7 semitones (perfect fifth)

C to G, G to D, D to A, etc.