Interactive Circle of Fifths
Click any key on the chart to see its scale, its relative minor and the seven chords that belong to it, and hear every one of them played.
Understanding the Circle of Fifths
Chord progressions on the circle of fifths
Chords that sit next to each other on the circle share most of their notes, which is why they move into one another so easily. One step clockwise from your key is the dominant (V), one step anticlockwise is the subdominant (IV), and the key directly inside yours on the minor ring is its relative minor (vi). In C major that gives you G, F and Am, and those four chords are most of popular music.Here are four progressions written out in C, with where each one sits on the circle. Open any chord to see its notes and hear it on its own.| Progression | In C major | On the circle |
|---|---|---|
| I – V – vi – IV | C – G – Am – F | C sits between F and G on the outer ring, and Am is directly beneath C on the inner ring. The whole progression is three neighbouring slices. |
| ii – V – I | Dm – G – C | Each chord is one step anticlockwise from the last. Walking the circle backwards is what makes this sound like it is resolving. |
| vi – IV – I – V | Am – F – C – G | The same four slices as I – V – vi – IV, started on the relative minor instead of the major. |
| I – vi – ii – V | C – Am – Dm – G | After the relative minor it moves two steps anticlockwise and walks back, which is why the turnaround feels circular. |
Major and Minor Key Relationships
Another key aspect of the Circle of Fifths is its relationship to minor keys. Each major key has a corresponding relative minor that shares the same key signature (e.g., A minor for C major). This makes it easier to switch between major and minor keys or transpose music. In short, the Circle of Fifths is a go-to tool for both beginners and experienced musicians to master key signatures, chord progressions, and harmony.Conclusion
In essence, the Circle of Fifths simplifies the complexity of music theory, offering a clear map of key signatures, chords, and relationships between notes. Whether you're composing, learning new music, or improvising, this tool serves as a reliable guide to understanding and creating music more fluidly. It’s a must-have for any musician looking to deepen their theoretical knowledge and enhance their playing skills.Circle of fifths questions
How do you use the circle of fifths?
Find your key on the ring, then look at its immediate neighbours. The key one step clockwise is your dominant (V), one step anticlockwise is your subdominant (IV), and the key directly inside it on the minor ring is its relative minor (vi). Those four chords cover most popular music. On the chart above, clicking a key shows its scale and every chord in it, and plays them.
What is the circle of fifths?
It is a diagram of the twelve keys arranged so that each step clockwise moves up a perfect fifth and adds one sharp to the key signature. Going anticlockwise moves down a fifth and adds a flat. Keys that sit next to each other share almost all of their notes, so the layout doubles as a map of which chords sound good together.
Where are the diminished chords on the circle of fifths?
The circle shows the major and minor keys, not the diminished chord that also belongs to every key. In a major key the diminished chord is built on the seventh degree, so in C major it is B diminished, and in G major it is F sharp diminished. Click a key on the chart above and it appears in that key’s chord list.
Is this circle of fifths chart free?
Yes. The chart, the scale and chord readouts for every key, the playback and every chord reference page are free to use, with no sign-up.
More tools
Explore more tools to improve your music skills.
