Interactive circle of fifths
The circle of fifths puts the 12 major keys in order, each a fifth above the last, with its relative minor inside. Click a key to see how many sharps or flats it has, which keys sit next to it and the seven chords that belong to it.
Songwriters use it to find chords that work together, and students use it to learn key signatures. Press Play scale to hear the major scale of the key you picked.
How to read the circle of fifths
- Going clockwise, each key adds one sharp: C, G, D, A, E, B, F#.
- Going anticlockwise, each key adds one flat: F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db.
- The inner ring is the relative minor, which shares the key signature.
- Neighbouring keys are the IV and V of the key and share most of its notes.
Chords in a major key
Every major key has the same pattern of chords: I, IV and V are major, ii, iii and vi are minor, and vii is diminished. In C major that is C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am and B°.
Frequently asked questions
What is the circle of fifths used for?
To learn key signatures, find the relative minor of a key, and pick chords and key changes that sound good together.
What is a relative minor?
The minor key that shares a major key’s notes and signature. A minor is the relative minor of C major; both have no sharps or flats.
Which chords are in the key of G major?
G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em and F#°. Click G on the circle to see them.