Interactive 'Circle of Fifths' - Chord Finder for Songwriters

The Circle of Fifths is one of the most powerful tools in music theory. At first glance, it can look a little intimidating - a complex diagram of notes and symbols. But once you understand how to read it, it becomes an indispensable "cheat sheet" for songwriting, improvisation, and understanding the music you love.

This guide will break down what the circle is, why it's so useful, and how you can use the interactive tool on this page to master it.

What is the Circle of Fifths?

Think of the Circle of Fifths as a clock face for musical keys. It’s a visual representation of how all 12 musical keys relate to one another.

• The "Fifths" Part: If you start at the top with C Major (which has no sharps or flats) and move one step clockwise, you land on G Major. The distance between the note C and the note G is an interval called a perfect fifth. This pattern continues all the way around the circle.
• Adding Sharps (Clockwise): As you move clockwise, each key adds one sharp (♯) to its key signature.
• Adding Flats (Counter-Clockwise): If you move counter-clockwise from C, you move down by a fifth to F. Each step in this direction adds one flat (♭) to the key signature.
• The Relative Minors: The inner circle shows the relative minor for each major key. This is the minor key that shares the exact same key signature. For example, A minor is the relative minor of C Major.

How It Helps You Make Music

This isn't just abstract theory; it's a practical roadmap for songwriting.

1. Instantly Find Chords in a Key: The circle makes it incredibly easy to find the foundational chords for any key. The keys immediately to the left and right of your chosen key are the IV and V chords, respectively. These three chords (I, IV, and V) are the basis for countless pop, rock, and folk songs.
2. Discover "Related" Chords: The keys closest to your chosen key on the circle are the most closely related. They share the most notes, which means their chords will almost always sound good together. This gives you a palette of 6 primary chords to work with.
3. Write Better Chord Progressions: Wondering where to go next in your song? The circle can guide you. Moving counter-clockwise often creates a powerful sense of resolution. A progression that moves from D → G → C feels strong and final because you're following the circle.
4. Change Keys (Modulate) Smoothly: If you want to change keys in the middle of a song, moving to an adjacent key on the circle will create the smoothest and most natural-sounding transition for the listener.

Select a key

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How to Use This Interactive Circle of Fifths

This "living" Circle of Fifths is designed to make these concepts tangible. Here’s how to use it:

1. Select a Key: Simply click on any of the 12 key segments on the outer or inner rings. The diagram will instantly update.
2. See the Harmonic Palette: The moment you select a key, all seven chords that belong to it will be highlighted with a color-coded system: Blue for major, Ochre for minor, and Burgundy for diminished.
3. Read the Details: Below the circle, the information panel gives you everything you need to know: the key title, its relative minor, and all the notes in the scale.
4. Hear the Chords 🎵: In the chord list at the bottom, you can see all seven chords labeled with their Roman numerals (I, ii, iii, etc.). Click on any of these buttons to hear what the chord sounds like, connecting the visual theory directly to the sound of the harmony.

Experiment by clicking on different keys. Notice how the highlighted chords change. Play the chords in sequence to hear common progressions. This tool is here to help you explore, learn, and ultimately, write better music. 

Perhaps you might wish to tune your guitar first?