What is the Circle of Fifths?

BY EMMA BLAIR PIANO

Let's learn about the circle of fifths!

This fascinating diagram represents how the 12 major and 12 minor keys are related to one another.

Why is it called the circle of fifths?

If you move clockwise around the circle, each tick is a perfect fifth away from the next one.

Going clockwise, each key adds 1 sharp.

C Major has 0 sharps, but G Major has 1, D Major has 2, etc.  This continues until you reach the max of 7 sharps.

Going counter-clockwise, each key adds 1 flat.

C Major has 0 flats, but F Major has 1 flat, Bb Major has 2, etc.  This continues until you reach the max of 7 flats.

Why do some keys have two names?

These are called enharmonic equivalents.  You'll play the same notes on the keyboard regardless of how the notes are spelled. (i.e. BM = CbM)

Did you know that all 12 keys overlap?

The notes and chords shared between neighboring keys in these overlap zones enable composers to easily change keys or borrow chords.

Can the circle of fifths show minor keys too?

Yes! To find the relative minor, count down a minor third from the major tonic.  Each minor key is a perfect fifth away from the next, just like the majors.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CIRCLE OF FIFTHS

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