Circle of Fifths

The circle of fifths (below) is a diagram used by musicians to organise musical keys. Imagine a clock face, but instead of numbers, it has musical notes. Starting at C, if you move clockwise and count up 5 notes (a "fifth"). That takes you to G; the major key with one sharp. Keep counting fifths around the circle: G to D (two sharps), D to A (three sharps), and so on. Moving anticlockwise you'll move down a fifth and to the 'flat keys', adding a flat each time - F (one flat), B♭ (two flats), etc. You'll see the notes repeat, but with the addition or subtraction of sharps and flats. The legend at the top shows you the order in which you add flats and sharps.

Memorising the order of flats/sharps

Using a mnemonic is an effective way to memorise the order of flats and sharps. Below is a list of mnemonics. Chose one that resonates with you or make up your own and share it with your mates.

A Christmas Story

  • Sharps: Father Christmas Gave Dad An Electric Blanket
  • Flats: Blanket Exploded And Dad Got Cold Feet

A Battle Story

  • Sharps: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
  • Flats: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles' Father

A Magical Journey

  • Sharps: Fairy Cinderella Got Dressed And Entered Ballroom
  • Flats: Ballroom Explosion Alarmed Dancers Got Caught Fleeing

A Spooky Night

  • Sharps: Frightening Creatures Got Dark And Evil Beyond
  • Flats: Bloodcurdling Excitement As Demons Grinned Creepily Finally

How is it used?

Key Signatures
The circle shows you how many sharps or flats a key has. For example, G has one sharp (F♯), D has two sharps (F♯ and C♯), and so on.

Related Keys
It helps you find keys that are closely related to each other, i.e., keys that have a majority of similar notes. For instance, if you're playing in the key of C, the closely related keys are G and F.

Interactive Circle of Fifths

The circle of fifths below is an interactive diagram for teachers and students. Dropdown boxes change what is shown on the diagram. Adjust the settings to create worksheets or a diagram focusing on a particular clef.

Clefs

Rotate to Top

Key Names

Legend

Stave Lines

Frame Lines

F major B♭ major E♭ major A♭ major D♭ major C♯ major G♭ major F♯ major B major C♭ major E major A major D major G major C major D minor G minor C minor F minor B♭ minor A♯ minor E♭ minor D♯ minor G♯ minor A♭ minor C♯ minor F♯ minor B minor E minor A minor CircleofFifths F C G D A E B B E A D G C F