See how keys, chords
and signatures connect.
Choose a key and explore its signature, relative minor, diatonic chords and closest harmonic relationships. Use the learning layers to understand the circle as a practical musical system—not simply a diagram to memorise.
What is the Circle of Fifths?
The Circle of Fifths is a map of musical keys. Keys beside each other share most of the same notes and chords, so they sound closely related.
Use it to understand key signatures, find chords that belong together, locate relative minor keys and transpose music without losing its harmonic shape.
C major
Build a progression
Add chords by function, then drag them to change their order. Change the selected key to transpose the whole progression without changing its harmonic shape.
Drag chords to change their order. Keyboard users can hold Alt and press the left or right arrow key.
Classic doo-wop progression — The unmistakable harmonic cycle behind countless early pop ballads.
Learn the Circle of Fifths as a practical music system
The Circle of Fifths is more useful than a chart to memorise. This interactive version lets you select any major key and immediately see its key signature, relative minor, diatonic chords, primary chords and closest harmonic relationships.
What you can learn
- Read the order of sharps and flats in every major key signature.
- Find each major key’s relative minor.
- See the seven diatonic chords that naturally belong to a key.
- Recognise tonic, dominant, subdominant and neighbouring-key relationships.
How to use this tool
- Select a major key on the outer circle.
- Read its key signature and relative minor.
- Reveal the diatonic chords and identify the I, IV and V chords.
- Compare neighbouring keys to see why they sound closely related.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Circle of Fifths?
The Circle of Fifths arranges the twelve musical keys so each neighbouring key is a perfect fifth apart. It makes key signatures, relative minors and closely related chords easier to see.
How does the Circle of Fifths help guitarists?
Guitarists can use it to understand which chords belong to a key, choose closely related keys, transpose progressions, write songs and recognise common harmonic movement.
How do I find the relative minor of a major key?
Each major key shares its key signature with a relative minor. In this explorer, select a major key and its relative minor appears in the inner part of the circle with the same sharps or flats.
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