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Circle of Fifths Diagram

This document provides an introduction to the circle of fifths diagram, which is used in music theory to help students understand key relationships and chord progressions. It explains that the circle of fifths arranges the 12 notes of the musical alphabet in a circle where each note is a perfect fifth above the next when moving clockwise. Memorizing the sequence of notes in both fifths and fourths around the circle is useful for understanding keys, chord progressions, and more. The next lesson will explain how major keys are represented on the circle of fifths.

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Theng Roger
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622 views2 pages

Circle of Fifths Diagram

This document provides an introduction to the circle of fifths diagram, which is used in music theory to help students understand key relationships and chord progressions. It explains that the circle of fifths arranges the 12 notes of the musical alphabet in a circle where each note is a perfect fifth above the next when moving clockwise. Memorizing the sequence of notes in both fifths and fourths around the circle is useful for understanding keys, chord progressions, and more. The next lesson will explain how major keys are represented on the circle of fifths.

Uploaded by

Theng Roger
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Circle Of Fifths Diagram

STUDY BASS

BASS

LESSONS

HARMONY

THE CIRCLE OF FIFTHS DIAGRAM

Lesson Block #14: Introduction to Keys and Harmony : : next


lesson

lesson
exercises
quiz
songs

To understand the next few lessons you should print


the circle of fifths diagram I made:
Printable Circle of 5ths Diagram (pdf)
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. Its 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 youre 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 alphabet in 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. If you are confused about this, read over the
musical alphabet lesson.
The Circle of Fourths

You may notice I call it a circle of 5ths and 4ths.


Fourths are another musical interval. If you go
counter-clockwise on the circle you will see the
notes go in ascending perfect fourths.
From C, a perfect fourth above is F. A perfect fourth
above F is Bb, and so on. The notes go in 4ths all the
way around the circle when moving counterclockwise.
Memorizing the Circle of 5ths and 4ths
It will be quite useful for you to memorize the
sequence of note names in both fifths and fourths.
For starters, bassists play lots of fifths. Knowing the
fifth above any note will come in handy. Also, you
will see many chord progressions move in fourths.
And, it will make memorizing keys and key signatures
easier, too.
Learn to recite the notes on the circle from memory. Be able to start on any note (not
just C) and go all the way around the circle in both directions. You already know four
of them your bass is tuned in fourths: E A D G. Backwards is G D A E fifths! This is
something you can practice in your head without your bass.
All you really need to remember is BEAD GCF. The cycle of fourths is BEADGCF with
natural notes, followed by BEADGCF with flats. Notice Fb would be equivalent to E.
Somewhere you have to flip to the enharmonic equivalent in order to go all the way
around.
5ths are the same only backwards FCGDAEB.
4ths:
5ths:

C
C

F
G

Bb
D

Eb
A

Ab
E

Db/C#
B/Cb

Gb/F#
F#/Gb

Cb/B
C#/Db

E
Ab

A
Eb

D
Bb

G
F

Applying the Circle of Fifths and Fourths


Just laying out the notes in 5ths and 4ths isnt anything amazing. But, when you look at
the keys for each note an interesting pattern occurs and helps you memorize the notes
in each key. In the next lesson I will explain major keys on the circle of fifths.

(C)
(C)

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