Circle of Fifths
Open in new tabAn interactive musical tool that lets you play melodies and chords with a single click. Perfect for learning and having fun with music.
Features
Discover diminished, minor, and major chords, as well as scale degrees
Explore related chords and the current key
Explore different musical scales and their relationships
Use the interactive circle of fifths for learning and fun
How to Use
- 1Click the scale name to change the scale and key
- 2Use shift + left mouse button to rotate only modes/degrees
- 3Rotate the wheel using the mouse scroll
- 4Discover chords and scales and their interrelationships
How to use the circle of fifths
Learn to navigate and use the circle of fifths tool. Understand what each ring represents and how to use interactive functions.
What is the circle of fifths?
The circle of fifths is a visual representation of musical keys and their relationships. It shows how keys are connected through perfect fifths, helping to understand chord progressions, key signatures, and modulation.
Structure of the four rings
Our interactive circle consists of four concentric rings, each displaying different musical elements working together.
Musical relationships
The circle reveals how keys, chords, and modes are related, helping you make better musical decisions.
Understanding the circle structure
4Ring 4 (outermost) – Modes
Shows seven musical modes. Each mode represents a different character and mood.
3Ring 3 – Scale degrees and notes
Displays individual notes with their Roman numeral scale degrees. Black notes show note names; yellow shows their function in the current key.
2Ring 2 – Minor chords
Contains minor chords related to the current key, providing emotional depth and contrast.
1Ring 1 (innermost) – Major chords
Shows major chords and their relationships. Red chord is your tonic (main key); mint chords are closely related.
How to use the circle
Click on ring 1 (major chords)
Click any chord in the innermost ring to set it as the tonal center. This highlights related chords and notes in all rings.
Observe highlighting
When you click a chord, related elements light up: the corresponding minor chord in ring 2, scale degrees in ring 3, and the current mode in ring 4.
Explore relationships
Notice how clicking different chords changes the color patterns. This shows which chords work well together and how keys are connected.
Interactive functions
Smart highlighting
The circle automatically highlights related musical elements when you select a key, showing connections between chords, scales, and modes.
Dynamic updates
As you rotate through different keys, color coding changes to reflect new relationships and harmonic functions.
Color coding system
Key signatures
Learn all major keys along with their sharps and flats. Understand how to read and memorize key signatures.
What are key signatures
Key signatures indicate which notes are raised (sharps) or lowered (flats) in a piece. They appear at the beginning of the staff, right after the clef.
Sharp keys
Sharp keys are on the right side of the circle of fifths. Each step clockwise adds one sharp.
Flat keys
Flat keys are on the left side of the circle. Each step counterclockwise adds one flat.
Major keys with sharps
| Key | Number of sharps | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| C major | 0 | - |
| G major | 1 | F♯ |
| D major | 2 | F♯, C♯ |
| A major | 3 | F♯, C♯, G♯ |
| E major | 4 | F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯ |
| B major | 5 | F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯ |
| F♯ major | 6 | F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯, E♯ |
Major keys with flats
| Key | Number of flats | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| C major | 0 | - |
| F major | 1 | B♭ |
| B♭ major | 2 | B♭, E♭ |
| E♭ major | 3 | B♭, E♭, A♭ |
| A♭ major | 4 | B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭ |
| D♭ major | 5 | B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭ |
| G♭ major | 6 | B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭ |
Helpful associations
For sharps
F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B#
Remember the order of sharps added for successive keys.
For flats
B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭, F♭
Remember the order of flats added for keys on the left side of the circle.
Chord progressions
See how the circle of fifths helps create chord sequences that sound natural and pleasing.
Progression basics
A chord progression is simply the order in which chords are played. The circle of fifths helps select chords that harmonize well—neighboring keys share notes, so transitions sound smooth.
Roman numerals
In music theory, each chord in a key is represented by a Roman numeral: I is the tonic (main chord), V is the dominant (creates tension), and vi is the relative minor.
Most common progressions
I–V–vi–IV
The most popular progression in pop and rock. Creates a natural cycle that feels like 'coming home'.
Song examples:
- Let It Be – The Beatles
- Someone Like You – Adele
- Don't Stop Believin’ – Journey
vi–IV–I–V
The reverse of the previous one—often used in ballads. Gives a softer, melancholic feel.
Song examples:
- Basket Case – Green Day
- Complicated – Avril Lavigne
ii–V–I
The basis of jazz harmony. The V chord creates tension that resolves to the tonic (I).
Song examples:
- All The Things You Are
- Autumn Leaves
- Fly Me To The Moon
I–vi–ii–V
Classic 1950s doo-wop progression. Has a swinging, nostalgic character.
Song examples:
- Heart and Soul
- Blue Moon
- I Got Rhythm
How to navigate the circle of fifths
Right – adding sharps
Each step clockwise adds one sharp and increases tension. This creates more energetic progressions.
Left – adding flats
Moving left (by fourths) gives a calmer, fuller sound and natural resolutions.
Relative keys
Neighboring keys share notes and chords, making transitions easy without harsh contrasts.
Progression practice
For beginners
- Start with I–V–vi–IV progressions in different keys, e.g., C–G–Am–F.
- Practice finding the minor chord related to each major key.
- Try recognizing popular progressions by ear, e.g., in pop choruses.
For advanced learners
- Try modulating (changing keys) using chords common to both scales.
- Experiment with borrowed chords from parallel keys (e.g., C major ↔ C minor).
- Create your own progressions moving around the circle in different directions to evoke different moods.
Modal interchange
Learn to use modes and borrowed chords to enrich harmonic progressions with color and sophistication.
Introduction to modal interchange
Modal interchange allows borrowing chords from parallel modes, adding harmonic variety to your music.
Basic concept
Instead of sticking to chords from a single key, we can borrow chords from its parallel minor or major, creating interesting harmonic colors.
Modal modes
Select a mode to hear its sound
Ionian (major)
Scale degree: IMajor mode with bright, stable sound and sense of resolution.
- Root note
- C
- Character
- Bright, happy
- Diatonic chords
- C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, B°
- Serves as a reference point before introducing borrowed chords.
- Contrasts with the parallel minor to highlight modal interchange.
Borrowed chords
Chords borrowed from parallel minor or major keys.
| Borrowed chord | Source | Symbol | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| F minor | C minor | iv | Softens the progression with a sweet-sour color. |
| A♭ major | C minor | ♭VI | Creates dramatic lift before returning to C. |
| B♭ major | C minor | ♭VII | Adds energy to the dominant without leading tone. |
| E♭ major | C minor | ♭III | Highlights transition to the relative major key. |
| B♭ major | C Dorian | ♭VII | Enhances modal interchange with warm color. |
| B♭ major | C Mixolydian | ♭VII | Strengthens dominant vamp passages. |
Practical examples
C major progression with borrowed chords
Normal progression
With borrowed chords
Classic modal interchange
Standard progression
With modal interchange
Usage tips
Harmonic guidelines
- Use borrowed chords sparingly for maximum effect.
- Resolve borrowed chords carefully to avoid awkward voice leading.
Melodic considerations
- Ensure the melody works with the altered harmony.
- Use notes from borrowed chords in the melody for coherence.
Practical applications
Real-world uses of the circle of fifths in composition, improvisation, and music analysis.
Compositional techniques
Songwriting
- •Choosing complementary keys for verses and choruses
- •Finding related keys for bridge sections
- •Creating smooth modulations between keys
- •Building tension using distant key changes
Improvisation
- •Quickly identifying the key during jam sessions
- •Finding shared scales between different keys
- •Moving smoothly between related tonal centers
- •Enriching sound using borrowed chords
Music analysis
- •Identifying tonal centers in complex pieces
- •Understanding modulation patterns between keys
- •Analyzing harmonic progressions effectively
- •Recognizing borrowed chords and modal interchange
Arrangement
- •Selecting suitable keys for different instruments
- •Adding harmonic interest with key changes
- •Building dynamic song structures through tonal shifts
- •Orchestrating with awareness of multiple key centers
Real-world examples
Rock music
"Don't Stop Believin'" – Journey
Uses the progression E major → C# minor → A major → B major
"Let It Be" – The Beatles
Modulates from C major to F major following the circle of fifths
Jazz standards
"Autumn Leaves"
A classic example of ii–V–I movement around the circle
"Giant Steps" – John Coltrane
Uses a cycle of major thirds for rapid key changes
Classical music
"The Well-Tempered Clavier" – J.S. Bach
Explores all 24 keys based on the circle pattern
Symphony No. 40 – Mozart
Masterful use of major–minor relationships
Practical exercises
Beginner level
Practice the I–V–vi–IV progression in all 12 keys
Memorize relative major and minor key pairs
Play scales around the circle of fifths
Visually identify key signatures
Intermediate level
Practice modulations between neighboring keys
Play ii–V–I progressions in every key
Experiment with borrowed chords
Analyze popular songs using the circle theory
Advanced level
Practice distant key modulations
Use modal interchange in your compositions
Create complex harmonic progressions
Analyze classical works for circle relationships
4-week study plan
Week 1: Fundamentals
Learn key signatures and relative relationships
Week 2: Progressions
Practice common chord progressions in different keys
Week 3: Modulation
Explore key changes and smooth transitions
Week 4: Application
Apply circle concepts in composition and analysis
History of the circle of fifths
Discover the fascinating evolution of one of the most important concepts in music theory throughout the centuries
Ancient foundations
6th century BCE - 500 CEThe mathematical relationships underlying the circle of fifths were first discovered by ancient Greek philosophers and mathematicians, who explored the connection between numbers and musical harmony.
Key developments
- Pythagoras discovered the frequency ratio 3:2 for the perfect fifth
- Established mathematical foundations of musical intervals
- Early understanding of harmonic relationships
- Integration of mathematics with music theory
Notable figures
- Pythagoras - mathematical proportions in music
- Aristoxenus - early music theory
- Ptolemy - principles of harmony
- Boethius - music as a mathematical science
Cultural impact
Ancient Greek discoveries laid the mathematical foundations for all Western music theory, providing a scientific basis for understanding musical relationships that influenced music for millennia.
Medieval development
500 - 1400 CEMedieval music theorists began to systematize relationships between keys and modes, developing theoretical frameworks that eventually became the circle of fifths.
Key developments
- Development of modal theory and church modes
- Systematic organization of musical scales
- Early understanding of tonal relationships
- Integration of Greek theory with Christian music
Notable figures
- Guido of Arezzo - musical notation system
- Hucbald - early harmonic theory
- Johannes de Muris - mathematical music theory
- Franco of Cologne - rhythmic notation
Cultural impact
Medieval theorists preserved and expanded ancient knowledge, creating educational systems and theoretical frameworks that supported the development of Western classical music.
Renaissance formalization
1400 - 1600 CEThe Renaissance brought the first formal descriptions of tonal relationships based on fifths and their practical application in composition, marking the transition to modern tonal thinking.
Key developments
- Systematic organization of major and minor keys
- Development of tonal harmony rules
- First practical applications in composition
- Emergence of key signature systems
Notable figures
- Gioseffo Zarlino - harmonic theory
- Heinrich Glarean - expansion of modal theory
- Franchinus Gaffurius - synthesis of music theory
- Nicola Vicentino - chromatic experiments
Cultural impact
Renaissance achievements established the tonal system that dominated Western music for centuries, giving composers a systematic approach to harmony and key relationships.
Baroque codification
1600 - 1750 CEThe Baroque era saw the first visual representations of the circle of fifths and its widespread adoption in music education and composition practice.
Key developments
- Johann David Heinichen created the first circular diagram (1728)
- Systematic use in composition and analysis
- Integration into music education
- Development of equal temperament tuning systems
Notable figures
- Johann David Heinichen - first circle diagram
- Jean-Philippe Rameau - harmonic theory
- Johann Sebastian Bach - practical applications
- Andreas Werckmeister - tuning systems
Cultural impact
The Baroque period established the circle of fifths as both a theoretical tool and a practical guide, influencing compositional techniques and educational methods still in use today.
Modern applications
1750 CE - presentThe circle of fifths became a cornerstone of music education and extended into jazz theory, digital music technology, and contemporary composition methods.
Key developments
- Integration into standard music education
- Extension to jazz harmony and popular music
- Digital implementation in music software
- Modern pedagogical applications
Notable figures
- Arnold Schoenberg - modern harmonic analysis
- Heinrich Schenker - analytical applications
- Berklee College - integration of jazz theory
- Contemporary developers - digital tools
Cultural impact
Modern applications have made the circle of fifths more accessible than ever, with digital tools and educational resources introducing this fundamental concept to musicians across genres worldwide.
Facts
Perfect mathematical ratio
The perfect fifth has a frequency ratio of exactly 3:2, making it one of the most mathematically pure intervals in music.
Bach's well-tempered clavier
Bach’s famous work explores all 24 major and minor keys, essentially composing around the complete circle of fifths.
Jazz standards tool
Jazz musicians use the circle of fifths for quick key changes and understanding complex chord progressions in standards.
Memory aid
The circle helps musicians memorize key signatures — each step clockwise adds a sharp, counterclockwise adds a flat.
Digital integration
Modern music software and apps often include interactive circle of fifths tools for composition and learning.
Universal application
The circle of fifths applies to all Western instruments and is used in classical, jazz, pop, and electronic music.
Circle of Fifths Quiz
Test your knowledge of the Circle of Fifths, key signatures, chord progressions, and music theory.