Circle of fifths
Each step clockwise is a perfect fifth higher. Outer ring: major keys. Inner ring: relative minor keys. Click any key to explore its chord progressions.
All keys at a glance
How to use the circle of fifths
The circle of fifths arranges all 12 musical keys in a circle where each adjacent key is a perfect fifth apart. Moving clockwise adds one sharp to the key signature; moving counter-clockwise adds one flat. Keys next to each other share 6 of 7 notes, making them closely related and great for modulations.
Each major key has a relative minor key (shown in the inner ring) that shares the same key signature. For example, C major and A minor both have no sharps or flats. The circle is an essential tool for songwriting, understanding key relationships, and planning chord progressions that move smoothly between keys.