Circle of fifths
Explore key relationships. Click any key.
The twelve keys of tonal music arranged around a clock face. Clockwise raises the root by a fifth; counter-clockwise raises it by a fourth.
How to use
- Click any segment on the outer ring to select a major key; click the inner ring for the relative minor. The widget highlights the chosen key plus its diatonic neighbours.
- Adjacent segments share six of seven scale notes — that's why neighbouring keys feel related.
Why it matters
- Songwriting: most chord progressions move between adjacent positions.
- Jazz: a ii–V–I is three counter-clockwise steps.
- Sight-reading: the order of sharps (F# C# G# D# A# E# B#) is the same as the clockwise sequence of major keys starting at G. Memorize the circle and you stop counting accidentals.
Tips
- Spend a few minutes a day looking at the circle away from the instrument. The relationships are easier to absorb visually than as rules.
- The relative minor of any major key sits a minor third below the major — and on the inner ring of the circle.
KEY-AWARE PRACTICE
Pick a key, build a progression.
EasyJam's chord progression builder hands you the diatonic chords for any key with strum and arpeggio playback. Free account, no card.