Interactive Circle of Fifths

See how the keys connect.

Explore major keys, relative minors and the chords that belong together.

Secure. Data stays in your browser

SELECTED MAJOR KEY

Relative minor

Chords in this major key

Clockwise adds a sharp; counterclockwise adds a flat. Adjacent keys share six scale notes.

Contents

Finding your way around the circle of fifths
Using the Interactive Circle of Fifths

Finding your way around the circle of fifths

Start at C and move clockwise: each step rises by a perfect fifth. C leads to G, G leads to D, and the pattern continues around the circle. Moving counterclockwise follows fourths and the flat side of the key signatures.

Major keys and their relative minors

Each major key has a relative minor that uses the same key signature. C major pairs with A minor; G major pairs with E minor. Select a key to see its relative minor and the seven triads built from its major scale.

Use the chord family in a song

The Roman numerals show a chord’s place in the scale. Uppercase marks major chords, lowercase marks minor chords, and ° marks the diminished chord. In C, I–IV–V is C–F–G; in G, the same relationship is G–C–D. Try I–vi–IV–V to hear how the family fits together.

The minor label refers to natural minor. Harmonic minor raises its seventh degree and can change the chords you use. The circle uses a practical key spelling at its enharmonic join: F♯ and G♭ are the same pitch, although their written key signatures differ.

Using the Interactive Circle of Fifths

Use the circle to compare key signatures and find the chord family for a major key. It is a useful reference when learning a progression or moving the same chord pattern to another key.

Instructions

Select a major key around the circle. Read the key signature and Relative minor in the panel beside it.
Look at Chords in this major key and their Roman numerals.
With a key button focused, use the arrow keys to move around the circle. Home returns to C and End selects F.

Using the chord family

Selecting G shows one sharp, F♯, and its relative minor E minor. The I, IV and V chords are G, C and D. Selecting C gives C, F and G for the same relationship. The relative minor shares the key signature, but a minor-key song may also use notes from harmonic or melodic minor.

What to do if your song uses a chord outside the list

The list contains diatonic triads, not every chord that can work in the key. Borrowed chords and secondary dominants can sit outside it.
Check whether the song is major or minor before treating the selected major chord as its tonal center.
Remember that F♯ and G♭ sound alike but have different written key signatures.

Try a short progression from the selected family, then listen for which chord feels like home. The circle is a reference for relationships rather than a rule for every song.