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.
C major
Relative minor: A minor
Key signature: no sharps or flats
Diatonic chords in C major
- ICmajor
- iiDmminor
- iiiEmminor
- IVFmajor
- VGmajor
- viAmminor
- vii°B°diminished
How to use
- Click any segment to select that key. The widget highlights the chosen key plus its diatonic neighbours.
- Toggle between major and minor with the switch above the diagram.
- 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. Memorise 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, get a backing track.
EasyJam writes backing tracks in any key the moment you choose one. No card required.