Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
“What exactly do I do with the circle of fifths?” The circle of fifths chart organizes musical keys and modes. Also, it helps you understand the relationships in music, making various tasks easier. Keep reading to learn more.
This post uses musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the article.
The Circle of Fifths: Let’s Take a Look at the Chart
Mobile users: for best results reading the examples, tilt your screen 90o to the right.
“What exactly do I do with the circle of fifths?” You use it to organize the twelve major and twelve minor keys:
- When you move clockwise around the chart, you lose flats or gain sharps and vice versa.
- In addition, closely related keys sit next to each other on the chart.
- For example, C and G major have all the same notes except one (F#). Likewise, C and F major have all the same notes except one (Bb).
Thus, the chart is useful when you need to change keys (for more information, see section #4). Also, it’s useful for when you need to transpose a melody to fit the singing range of your voice.
Why are there two scale labels on each staff on the chart?
- The major mode is above each staff and the minor mode is below.
- When major and minor modes have the same notes, we call them relative modes.
- However, each mode emphasizes different notes, making major and minor modes sound very different.
Therefore, the chart is useful when you need to change modes (for more information, see section #4).
What are enharmonic keys?
- The C# and Db major scales, F# and Gb major scales, and B and Cb major scales are called enharmonic keys, because the scale pairs contain the same notes.
- For example, the F# and Gb major scales have all the same notes on the keyboard, but one is “spelled” with sharps and the other with flats.
- Try it! Take the notes from the F# and Gb major scales (see the scales in the next section) and play them on the keyboard.
In addition, enharmonic keys can have white key sharps and flats:
- E# = F
- B# = C
- Fb = E
- Cb = B
To access an online keyboard: click here.
The Circle of Fifths: Now Let’s Look at How the Major Scales Can Be Organized Using the Chart
Why’s it called “the circle of fifths?”
- Because the tonic notes of adjacent keys are five notes apart on the keyboard
- The scales in this section are organized in the same order as the clockwise sequence on the circle of fifths chart.
- For example, the tonic of G major is five notes away from the tonic of the key of D major.
Every time you move to a key with a tonic five notes away, you lose or gain either sharps or flats depending on the direction you move on the chart.
Why does this pattern happen?
- The pattern of whole and half steps in the major scale’s construction makes this cyclical pattern of keys work.
- The chart was created to take advantage of this effect.
- For more information on scale construction, see section #4.
B and Cb major are enharmonic keys:
F# and Gb major are enharmonic keys:
C# and Db major are enharmonic keys:
The Circle of Fifths: What’s the Practical Application?
This is the practical application section. However, the post would be too long if I went into detail here, so instead I’ve provided links that explain:
- How scales are constructed
- How modes work
- How chords work with the scales
- How to figure out the key and mode from the key signature
- How to change keys
These musical concepts, which are very closely related to the circle of fifths, will be explained by the following posts.
How Scales Are Constructed:
- The G Major Scale (Including the G Major Chord Scale)
- The C Major Scale (Including the C Major Chord Scale)
How Modes Work:
How Chords Work with the Scales:
- Can Someone Explain Roman Numeral Analysis in Layman’s Terms for Me
- Tonic Vs. Root in Music Theory: Are They the Same Thing?
- What Exactly Does I7-Vi7-V7 Mean?
- What’s The Deal with These I-Vii-Vi-V Chords and Stuff?
How to Figure Out the Key and Mode from the Key Signature:
- How Do I Switch from Singing Shaped Notes to Standard Notation: Sharp Keys
- How Do I Switch from Singing Shaped Notes to Standard Notation: Flat Keys
- Singing Shape Note Parallel Minor Melodies: The Parallel Minor Scale
- Singing Shape Note Parallel Minor Melodies: The Sound Tracks
How to Change Keys:
Final Thoughts on “What Exactly Do I Do with the Circle of Fifths?”
Here’s a summary:
- The circle of fifths chart organizes the twelve major and twelve minor keys, helping you to change keys or modes as well as to transpose music.
- When major and minor keys all have the same notes, we call them relative keys.
- The C# and Db, F# and Gb, and B and Cb major scales are the three enharmonic keys.
Related Posts
- Chord Progression (Including the 12 Bar Blues)
- What Exactly Is a Chord and What Does the Term Harmony Mean?
- D’you Want Some Music Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned Over the Years?
© 2024 Geoffrey Keith
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