The circle of fifths - how it works and when it is useful

The circle of fifths is one of the most important music theory basics for all music creators. It helps you better understand notes in general and play pieces on, for example, the piano or violin. To be able to use and apply the circle of fifths yourself, you should first be able to read it correctly. Only then can you understand the relationship between the individual tones. Therefore, we will show you everything you need to know about the circle of fifths.

What exactly is the circle of fifths and how does it work?

The name circle of fifths has a musically profound meaning. Thus, the circle refers to a circle that provides the basic structure of the circle of fifths. Around this circle are arranged the individual keys, which are spaced by fifths and give the name its meaning. The fifth is an interval of seven semitones, with the major keys represented by capital letters and the minor keys by small letters. The starting point of the circle of fifths is always C major. So you can always orientate yourself anew.

The structure of the circle of fifths plays a major role. The major scales are located on the outer circle of the circle of fifths. If you start with the note C and continue clockwise, the distance to the next scale is always a fifth. Counterclockwise, the distance between the scales is also a fifth. The inner circle of the circle of fifths then contains the corresponding minor keys with the same number of accidentals as for major.

Overview of all keys sorted by accidentals

Major keys

C major: - G major: F sharp D major: F sharp, C sharp A major: F-sharp, C-sharp, G-sharp E major: F-sharp, C-sharp, G-sharp, D-sharp B major: F-sharp, C-sharp, G-sharp, D-sharp, A-sharp F# major: F-sharp, C-sharp, G-sharp, D-sharp, A-sharp, E-flat

Minor keys

F major: B B-flat major: B-flat, E-flat E-flat major: B-flat, E-flat, A-flat A-flat major: B-flat, E-flat, A-flat D flat major: B-flat, E-flat, A-flat, D-flat G flat major: B-flat, E-flat, A-flat, D-flat, C-flat

Note: Every major key is also related to a minor key (called a parallel minor key or minor parallel). Both have the same number of accidentals.

A powerful tool for determining keys

If you are faced with the task of determining the key of a piece of music, the circle of fifths is just the tool you need. Take a look at the type and number of accidentals and search for a C on your keyboard. If the accidentals are crosses, you move to the right on the keyboard from the C. If the accidentals are Bs, you move to the right. If the accidentals are Bs, move to the left. For each counted accidental, move seven semitones in that direction.

The note you reach after counting on the keyboard gives you insight into the respective key. Three semitones below the determined key you will find the parallel minor key. This rule applies quite independently of the nature of your accidentals, allowing you to use it with crosses as well as B’s. To finally determine the key of this piece, take a closer look at the last bar. If you find the note of the minor parallel, the corresponding key is in minor. If you don't find it in the last bar, your piece is in the parallel major key.

Tip: Use the Circle of Fifths not only in theory, but as a tangible tool. Here is an interactive template that can help you with songwriting.

The importance of the circle for enharmonic confusion

If you play the piano, you will have noticed that some black keys have several names. This peculiarity is called enharmonic confusion and is also integrated in the circle of fifths. Enharmonic confusion occurs when one and the same note has two different names due to different accidentals. For example, if in a piece a G is lowered by a semitone step by a B, it is the same tone as if an F is raised to an F-sharp by a cross. For the correct designation of the tone, it is therefore crucial which accidentals are used for the piece and from which tone we start.

The circle of fifths and its meaning for chords

There are usually not big differences between scales and chords. For example, in a scale we learn the corresponding notes from bottom to top, while in a chord they are prepared in thirds. For example, if we start from C major, the notes C, E and g become apparent in the chord. The scale in this case consists of the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B, and C. This practice can also be applied to the other steps. For example, the Dm chord consists of D, F, and A. The associated minor scale consists of the eight corresponding notes D, E, F, G, A, B, C, and D for this.

This way, you'll have an easy time determining the scale from the corresponding chord and selecting the best sounds in terms of harmonic thirds. The circle of fifths helps you to expand your knowledge of the key itself and thus to be able to determine your playing even more precisely and to improve it in the long run. Therefore, don't think of the circle of fifths only in terms of its theoretical effect, but also include the practical component, which will always make your practicing easier.

How to memorize the circle of fifths quickly

Over time, a number of mnemonic devices have developed around the circle of fifths. These should help you to memorize the notes contained in the circle of fifths and to identify the major keys more quickly in this way. For example, you can memorize the number of crosses in the circle of fifths with the following phrase: "Good Dogs Always Eat Before Furry Cats." To use this phrase correctly, you must start at the second digit of the circle. Since there are no accidentals in C major, looking at the second digit is easier. The circle also works for the number of B's.

For the accidentals on the other side of the circle of fifths, for example, use the mnemonic: "Five Big Elephants Are Dragging Garbage Cans." This will help you to quickly keep track of at least the number of accidentals and to distinguish between crosses and b's. But beyond that, the circle of fifths naturally offers many other possibilities to better understand the theory of notation.

Ten steps to the application of the circle of fifths

No method works more easily and effectively than the circle of fifths when it comes to recognizing pitches. And this is not so unimportant, after all—the pitch often reveals something about the mood in which the piece was written. Accordingly, it is especially crucial for musicians to understand the intended depths of pieces. The Circle of Fifths will help you to find the right focus and better understand the depth of the piece. With the following summary steps, you will be able to use the circle of fifths with confidence:

1. Take a look at the respective accidentals in your pieces
2. For example, if you recognize a cross, you go with your keyboard to the C
3. For crosses you then go to the right, but for B's you go to the left
4. To change the number of accidentals, go ahead on the keyboard a fifth at a time
5. Assuming a single cross, move seven semitones to the right
6. Seven semitones from C result in D. Therefore, the piece may be written in G major
7. Now you have to determine the parallel minor key. To do this, go down three semitones
8. There you reach the E. The second possibility is therefore E minor
9. Then take a look at the last bar and search for the minor parallel there.
10. If you do not find the corresponding note, the piece is written in the major key

This method works independently of the number of accidentals. For you, this has the advantage that you can apply the circle of fifths to all pieces without exception. Another advantage is that the determination of the key is usually always possible through the last bar. Thus, a glance at the last bar is sufficient to apply the circle of fifths correctly. As long as you have not yet internalized the circle of fifths, you can simply place a printout of the model next to your notes. This way you can quickly recognize the key and vary your playing.

• Learning to read music—you can do it!
• Social media for musicians – this is how Instagram, TikTok and the like work!
• The best beat makers—Powerful beats via apps
• Learning the violin – our tips for beginners

Learn more about musical theory now - at mukken!

At first glance, the circle of fifths may seem like dry theory. However, a closer look reveals many advantages—like determining a scale, for example. Therefore, it is best not to leave the circle of fifths unused for too long, but to test its usefulness as early as possible. This will help you to understand the music even better, at least in theory, and to get through the details of the many different keys. If you also want to know more about searching for piano sheet music online, then feel free to read on right here. Here at mukken you can also find everything a musician's heart desires and network with others.