Circle of Fifths
The circle of fifths is a simple chart that helps you understand musical keys and how they relate to each other. The circle is arranged so that when you move clockwise, each key goes up by five notes (called a fifth), like C to G to D. When you move this direction, each new key adds one sharp. If you move counterclockwise, each key adds one flat.
At the top of the circle is C, which has no sharps or flats. Each key on the circle also has a matching minor key that uses the same sharps or flats. Keys that are next to each other on the circle sound good together, which is why the circle is useful for finding chords and key changes. Overall, it’s a quick way to see which keys are closely connected and how music naturally moves from one key to another.