Cycle of Fifths

The Cycle of Fifths Circle of 5ths is a visual guide highlighting various key and chord relationships found in western music. It can be used as both a learning and practice tool in the following ways;

• Identifying Key Signatures

Heading Clockwise from C Major at the top of the diagram, each step clockwise the next key signature with an additional sharp added. It finishes with F# major at the bottom of the sphere. The clockwise steps also highlight scales and notes that are a 5th away from each other, hence the name.  Moving anticlockwise around in fourths, each new step instead adds an additional flat to the key signature, continuing till G flat major

• Identifying Major and Relative Minor Relationships

The diagram illustrates the major key signatures on the outside of the circle and the relative minor key signatures located on the inside of the circle.

• Identifying Cycle of Fourths/Fifths

When learning and practicing scales, chords, voicings and progressions the Cycle of Fifths/Fourths can be used to navigate {either clockwise or anticlockwise) through all keys and tones. The alternate of only practicing  up or down the chromatic scale chromatic scale has , making sure all keys/chords aren’t neglected. By varying how you practice, this will assist in focus and retention. By only practicing exercises one way through the chromatic scale, it is easy to slip into autopilot mode where a student may not get the full comprehension and benefit from the exercises.

• Identifying II-V-I chord groupings

• Tritone Substitutions [Tritone = b5]

• Practice Tool for Scales, Chords & Voicings