What is the Circle of 4ths and 5ths all about?
On a certain day, I bought some groundnuts then decided to play with it a bit before consumption. I used the 12 nuts (seeds) to create a clock, then finally looked at it and said “it looks like the Circle of 4ths & 5ths” (sure it did).
The Circle of 5ths (or Circle of 4ths, depending on the direction) is a circular diagram that shows the relationships between the 12 keys in music. It’s a powerful tool for understanding key signatures, chord progressions, and modulation (changing keys).
The Circle of 4ths & 5ths
Circle of 5ths (Clockwise Direction)
Each step clockwise on the circle moves up a perfect 5th.
Example:
- C → G → D → A → E → B → F♯ → D♠→ A♠→ E♠→ B♠→ F → C
interpretation: C to G is a perfect 5th interval, G to D is a 5th as well etc.
Use this to:
- Understand how sharps are added to key signatures
- Practice dominant-tonic movement (i.e the 5 chord to the 1 chord)
Circle of 4ths (Counterclockwise Direction)
Each step counterclockwise moves up a perfect 4th.
Example:
- C → F → B♠→ E♠→ A♠→ D♠→ G♠→ B → E → A → D → G → C
interpretation: C to F is a perfect 4th interval, F to Bb is a 4th as well etc.
Use this to:
- Build popular chord progression such as 2-5-1 and 2-5-1-4 progressions
- Practice key modulation gospel
- Organize practice routines by smooth key transitions
Why It Matters for Piano Players
- Chords and Scales: Learn all your chords and scales in circle order to develop fluid key knowledge.
- Ear Training: The circle helps you predict how music moves, improving your ability to play by ear.
- Key Signature & Relationships: It’s easier to see various Major and minor key relationship at a glance using the Circle.
Practice Tip
Pick a chord progression (like 2–5–1) and play it through all 12 keys around the Circle of 4ths. This builds muscle memory and strengthens your understanding of harmony.
Attention: In the next series of lessons, we will utilize the circle of 4ths to practice a lot of concepts studied so far.
Yes it aids practice of scales. the sharps and flats either reduces or increases sequentially as you progress
Yes you are right… As you move from key to key there’s a gradual change in key signature
Keep the remaining groundnut for me Josh! Great lesson though
I will do! lol
THIS IS SPOT ON BRO!!!
Thanks
I have been using the circle of 4ths for years without knowing what it was… this lesson just opened my eyes
Yeah! that’s why I am here for everyone; to expose hidden secrets behind music in a bid to simplify it further