Theory
Circle of Fifths
What is the Circle of Fifths?
The Circle of Fifths arranges all 12 major keys in a clockwise circle, each a perfect 5th above the last. The inner ring shows each key's relative minor. Moving clockwise adds 1 sharp; counterclockwise adds 1 flat.
Interactive Circle
Tap a key segment to see its details.
Major keys
Relative minors
Key Relationships
Keys that sit adjacent on the circle share almost all their notes — they are closely related and blend smoothly together. The I–IV–V triangle is the most important relationship in all of Western music:
In the key of C:
C
I — Tonic
F
IV — Subdominant
G
V — Dominant
F and G are C's immediate neighbors on the circle — one step counterclockwise and one step clockwise.