The Circle of Fifths: How to understand and utilize it effectively

In this video, Michael New explores the circle of fifths, an amazingly powerful musical tool that is often misunderstood. Many people struggle to grasp its usage, but I'll show you how to understand and utilize it effectively.

What is the Circle of Fifths?

The circle of fifths is a visual representation of musical relationships among the 12 notes. Instead of arranging the notes in sequential order, they are separated by the interval of a fifth. The circle provides a concise way to understand key signatures, chord progressions, and harmonic relationships.

Using the Circle of Fifths

Let's dive into building the circle of fifths. Starting with the note C at the top, we move to the next note separated by a fifth, which is G. We continue this process, moving through D, A, E, B, F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, and A♯, until we return to C.

Remembering the circle of fifths can be made easier with mnemonic phrases like "Carolyn Gets Drunk And Eats Butterflies" for the right half of the circle, and "Carolyn Fondle's Beads" for the left half. These phrases help memorize the sequence of notes.

Applications of the Circle of Fifths

The circle of fifths has multiple practical applications in music theory. It can be used to understand chord construction, harmonizing melodies, and identifying chord progressions.

1. Notes

When thinking of the circle of fifths in terms of notes, it helps in constructing chords. For example, if you want to build a C major chord, you know that the middle note is a major third above the root note (C–E). The next note is a fifth above the root (C–G). This approach simplifies chord construction across different keys.

2. Chords

Viewing the circle as chords is another useful perspective. The circle helps identify the root chord (the starting point) and the dominant chord (the chord that creates tension) in a particular key. By understanding these relationships, musicians can create effective chord progressions.

3. Keys

The circle of fifths serves as a map of keys. It demonstrates the similarities between different keys, aiding in key changes and modulation. It also reveals the number of sharps or flats in each key. By following the circle, you can determine the key signature of any major key.

The circle of fifths is an invaluable tool for musicians, providing insights into chord construction, harmonization, chord progressions, and key relationships. By understanding this visual representation, musicians can enhance their music theory knowledge and composition skills.