The circle of fifths
Other keys: Circle of fifths · Other chord types · Every chord, every key
Click a key and hear its scale. How each step adds a sharp or a flat lives on Western theory · Circle of fifths.
The wheel — click a key
Click any major key on the outer ring (or its relative minor on the inner ring) to see its notes and hear it. The two neighbours light up as well — they're your IV (one step counter-clockwise) and V (one step clockwise). Playback follows the metronome's tempo (set the BPM in the bar pinned at the bottom).
Why does each step add a sharp (or flat)?
Each step clockwise is a perfect fifth and one new sharp. Counter-clockwise adds one flat. The order, and why the two sides meet, is on Western theory · Circle of fifths. Click the wheel to hear the result.
Relative minors — the inner ring
The inner ring is the relative minor: the same seven notes, home on degree 6. On the wheel it sits inside the major you clicked. The count (down three half steps) is on Western theory · Circle of fifths.
Neighbouring keys & chord motion
The two keys that light up beside your choice are its neighbours: IV one step counter-clockwise and V one step clockwise. With the relative minor they are the chords most songs borrow. Hear a move on Diatonic chords and Chord changes.
How to use it
- Read key signatures instantly. Count the sharps or flats and the circle tells you the key: 2 sharps = D major (or B minor).
- Transpose. To move a song up a step or two, rotate every chord the same number of positions around the wheel.
- Practise in all keys. Work scales and drills clockwise around the circle — that's the Circle of Fifths Grind routine.
- Build progressions. Pick a key, then borrow its neighbours and relative minors — you'll be writing convincing chord changes in minutes.
All twelve at a glance
Click a key on the wheel to hear one. The written list of all twelve lives on Western theory · Circle of fifths.