# The circle of fifths

**Other keys:** Circle of fifths · [Other chord types](chord-types.md) · [Every chord, every key](chord-dictionary.md)

Click a key and hear its scale. How each step adds a sharp or a flat lives on [Western theory · Circle of fifths](/sangeet-yatra/theory/western/#circle-of-fifths).

> Start on **C**. One step clockwise is **G** (one sharp). Neighbours light up as IV and V. The inner ring is the relative minor.

The interactive [circle-of-fifths.html](circle-of-fifths.html) shows a clickable wheel: pick any major
key (outer ring) or its relative minor (inner ring) to hear the scale and light up its two neighbours
(its IV and V) plus its relative minor. Playback follows the metronome tempo.

## Why each step adds 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](/sangeet-yatra/theory/western/#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.

## Neighbouring keys & chord motion

The two keys that light up beside your choice are its neighbours: **IV** and **V**. Hear a move on [Diatonic chords](chord-cheatsheet.md) and [Chord changes](songs.md).

## How to use it

- **Read key signatures** on the wheel: 2 sharps = D major (or B minor).
- **Transpose** by rotating every chord the same number of positions.
- **Practise in all keys** clockwise — the [Circle of Fifths Grind](routines.md) routine.
- **Build progressions** from a key’s neighbours and relative minor.

## 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](/sangeet-yatra/theory/western/#circle-of-fifths).