What is the Circle of 5ths?

The circle of fifths is a diagram used in music theory that helps students memorize and understand the 24 major and minor keys used in music, key relationships, and many chord relationships.

Logically, this diagram is pretty fascinating. It ties together many common relationships found in music. The circle of fifths illustration was conceived by German musician Johann David Heinichen in 1728.

Memorizing the circle of 5ths diagram is worthwhile. It’s not as hard as it seems once you understand the logic behind the circle.

In this lesson we will just examine the idea of fifths and fourths on the circle. In following lessons, we'll apply it to keys, chord progressions, and the like. (If you’re still unsure of the basic musical intervals, you should review them before proceeding.)

How Does the Circle of Fifths Work?

Fifths are musical intervals. The circle of 5ths is an arrangement of the 12 notes of the musical alphabetin a circle. Each note on the circle is a perfect fifth apart.

At the top of the circle we begin on the note C. As you go clockwise around the circle, the notes move in perfect 5ths.

A perfect fifth above C is G, and G is the next note on the circle going clockwise.

A perfect fifth above G is D. D is next on the circle.

Next, a perfect fifth above D is A, and so on. Clockwise, the circle moves through all 12 notes of the musical alphabet going in 5ths finally returning to C.

You will notice at the bottom of the circle three of the notes (B, F#, and C#) have two spellings each. The same pitch can have multiple spellings. These are called enharmonic notes. On the circle B and Cb are enharmonic equivalents. F# and Gb are equal. And, C# and Db are the same note.