What is a circle of fifths?

The Circle of Fifths is a visual diagram encompassing all Major and Minor keys. The Major keys are located on the outer ring, while their corresponding relative Minor keys are positioned on the inner ring. Each letter on this circle can represent a key, a chord, or an individual note.

The Circle of Fifths provides a visual understanding of the relationships between keys and chords. You can use this circle to:

• Songwriting & Composition: A song idea can start with a few chords that sound "right" together. Any three Major chords and three Minor chords located within a single quadrant of the circle belong to the same key; therefore, they will sound perfectly harmonious together.
• Transposing Chords: You can place the chords of a song onto the circle and then transpose them by simply rotating that pattern around the circle. Example: Take the chords C, F, and G. C is in the center, F is one step counter-clockwise, and G is one step clockwise. When transposing to the key of A major, the corresponding chords will follow the same pattern: A (center), D (left), and E (right).

Moving clockwise, the interval between each key is an ascending perfect fifth. Moving counter-clockwise, it is a descending perfect fifth. If you start at any key and move up by a perfect fifth twelve times, you will return exactly to the starting key.

How to use the Interactive Circle of Fifths:

When you click on any key on the circle, you will see the chords belonging to that key. Each chord is marked with a Roman numeral representing its degree within the scale:

• Uppercase Roman Numerals (I, IV, V): Indicate Major chords.
• Lowercase Roman Numerals (ii, iii, vi): Indicate Minor chords.
• Roman Numerals with a small circle (vii°): Indicate Diminished chords.