The circle of fifths

The circle of fifths maps relationships between keys and the order in which sharps and flats appear. Neighboring positions are a fifth apart.

Use the circle as a map

The circle does not replace ear training or scale knowledge, but it shows connections. Moving through sharp keys adds sharps; moving through flat keys follows the reverse order.

Practice

• Find C major with no sharps or flats.
• Move up by a fifth.
• Compare the new key and its number of key signatures.

Start slowly and use your ear to check what you have read.