Beat logo

Cool Ways to Remember the Circle of Fifths

Music 101

By Kahlea PPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
Like
A diagram of the Circle of Fifths 

What is the Circle of Fifths?

The Circle of Fifths is a series of key signatures and their root chords represented by a circle. Each key or chord has seven semitones from the next key or chord in the circle.

History Behind the Circle of Fifths

You have Nikolai Diletskii to thank. He invented it in his late 1670's treatise on composition called the Grammatika, and later in 1728, Johann David Heinichen redesigned the Circle of Fifths, which is the version we use today.

Why Should You Learn the Circle of Fifths?

Whether you are a student, a teacher or a musician, the Circle of Fifths will help you detect chord inversions quicker, identify key signatures for major and minor keys/chords within a piece of sheet music, and help you understand the difference between relative and parallel keys.

Understanding the Outer Ring of the Circle of Fifths to Read Major Keys and Their Root Chords

The Circle of Fifths usually starts with a C major (see photo). The best way to understand how to read the Circle of Fifths is by looking at it like a clock. On the outer ring of the Circle of Fifths, we see major keys and their root chords related to them. Going clockwise is G major. The notes in a G major chord are seven semitones from the notes in a C major chord. Then, we move clockwise to the next chord which is D major, which is a perfect fifth away from G major. Then we get to A major, which is a perfect fifth away from D major and so on. So with each clockwise "hand" around the circle, we continue to move in fifths until we eventually end up back at C major.

Understanding the Inner Ring of the Circle of Fifths to Read Minor Keys and Their Chords

On the inner ring of the Circle of Fifths, we see minor keys and their root chords. The key or chord at the top of the inner ring of the Circle of Fifths is A minor.

Note: A minor is the relative minor of C major. Its scale contains the exact notes as a C major scale but has the key of A as its root instead of C.

From A minor, we move clockwise to E minor, which is a perfect fifth away from A minor. Then, we move to B minor, which is a perfect fifth away from E minor. We keep moving in fifths until we eventually return to the original key/chord of A minor.

Cool Ways to Remember the Circle of Fifths

Key Signatures for Flats and Sharps

To remember the total of Flats in a key signature in order, memorize the following :BEAD-GCF. Remember all the sharps in order in a key signature by using a funny saying: FCGDAEB: Finally-Cats-Give-Dogs-Awful-Energy-Bites.

Major & Minor Scales for Flats

Remember the Major scales in order for flats' key signature by creating a mnemonic for F-Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Cb: Frank-Buys-Eggs-At-Dog's-Grocery-Club.

Note: You may not be able to see C♭ major on the Circle of Fifths. C♭ Major has seven flats in its key signature.

Now let's remember the minor scales for the flats: d-g-c-f-b-e-a♭: dog's-grocery-club-fills-basket-eggs-again

Note: A♭ minor may not be on the Circle of Fifths.

Major and Minor Scales for Sharps

Remember Major scales for sharps' key signature by creating a mnemonic for G-D-A-E-B-F#-C#: Go-Down-At-Elmo's-Bank-For-Christmas.

Note: You may not be able to see C-sharp (C#) major on the Circle of Fifths. C-sharp Major scale has seven sharps in its key signature.

Now let's remember the minor scales for the sharps: e-b-f#-c#-g#-d#-a#: elmo's-bank-for-christmas-gives-doll-angels

Note: A# minor may not be on the Circle of Fifths. A# minor has seven sharps in its key signature.

how to
Like

About the Creator

Kahlea P

Kahlea is a realtor, woodworker and writer. When she is not working, she likes to go rock climbing and do things that involves creativity. IG:kahleapendleton

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.