Circle of Fifths
A diagram arranging all twelve major and minor keys by ascending perfect fifths, showing their key-signature relationships.
Category
keys
Pronunciation
/ˈsɜːkəl əv fɪfθs/
Origin
English (descriptive)
Length
223 words · 2 min read
About Circle of Fifths
The circle of fifths is one of the most useful visual tools in music theory. Starting from C major (no sharps or flats) and moving clockwise by perfect fifths, each step adds one sharp to the key signature: G major has one sharp, D major has two, A major has three, and so on until reaching the enharmonic keys (F-sharp/G-flat) at the far side.
More keys terms
Tonicisation
View all keysterms →The brief treatment of a non-tonic chord as a temporary tonic through the use of its own dominant or leading note.
ModulationThe process of changing from one key to another within a piece
TranspositionMoving a passage of music up or down in pitch by a fixed interval
ChromaticPertaining to notes outside the prevailing key or diatonic scale.
Key SignatureThe set of sharps or flats at the beginning of a staff indicating the key
Synonyms
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →