About this tool
The circle of fifths arranges all 12 major and minor keys in a circle: clockwise, each key is a fifth higher and has one more sharp (C, G, D, A …); counterclockwise one more flat (F, Bb, Eb …). At the bottom both sides meet at F# major and Gb major, which sound the same. The inner ring shows the relative minor keys with the same key signature.
Click a key to see its key signature, notes, relative and parallel key, dominant and subdominant, and all diatonic chords. The three neighbouring major and minor keys are highlighted – exactly the chords that occur most often in the chosen key. The chords link to the Chord Finder, and the Scale Generator shows the full scale.
How it works
- Click a major key in the outer ring or a minor key in the inner ring.
- Read the key signature, notes and related keys in the centre and next to the circle.
- Use the diatonic chords for chord progressions and click a chord to see its notes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remember the order of sharps and flats?
Sharps are added in the order F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B# (“Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle”); flats in the reverse order Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb, Fb (“Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father”). In sharp keys the root is a semitone above the last sharp; in flat keys the second-to-last flat is the root.
What is the difference between a relative and a parallel key?
The relative key has the same key signature but a different root: C major and A minor. The parallel key has the same root but the other mode: C major and C minor.
Why are the neighbouring keys highlighted?
The three major keys side by side are the tonic, dominant and subdominant (in C major: C, G, F), and the three minor keys below them are the minor chords of the key (Am, Em, Dm). Together with the diminished chord on the seventh degree these are all diatonic chords – which is why they fit together so well.
Why are there two names at the bottom?
F# major (6 sharps) and Gb major (6 flats) sound the same and are only written differently; the same goes for D# minor and Eb minor. A second click on that segment switches the spelling. Keys with 7 sharps or flats such as C# major or Cb major can be given via the link or the API.