Music theory
Circle of fifths
Explore how major and minor keys connect. Select a key on either ring to see its notes, chords and key signature.
Select a slice to explore its key and chords.
Selected keyC major
Outer ring: major keysInner ring: relative minor keysSelected key
The selected key has the strongest colour and an outline. Its major and minor chords have a softer colour and Roman numerals; the diminished chord is in the list.
Key details
C major
- Key signature
- No sharps or flats
- Relative minor
- · same notes and key signature
- Parallel minor
- · same tonic, different scale notes
- Scale notes
- C · D · E · F · G · A · B
Chords in C major
Select a chord to hear it.
Explore nearby keys
Clockwise moves up a fifth to G major. Counterclockwise moves up a fourth to F major.
How to use the circle
- 1. Pick a circle and keySwitch between the major (Ionian) and natural minor (Aeolian) circles. The outer ring shows that mode; the inner ring shows its relative keys. Keys in the same slice share a key signature.
- 2. Follow the ringThe outer labels show sharps and flats. Move clockwise by a fifth or counterclockwise by a fourth. At the bottom, the same pitches switch between sharp and flat names.
- 3. Build a progressionRoman numerals on the wheel mark the major and minor chords in your key. Select a chord below to hear it. Try I–IV–V in major or i–iv–v in natural minor.
- 4. Compare neighboursAdjacent keys share six of their seven scale notes, making them useful for exploring key changes.