The Circle of Fifths

I find the circle of fifths a helpful tool in learning the common relationships of key signatures and middle of song key changes (modulations) by writing out the Major scales when I use this method. It also helped with understanding "#'s vs. b's" (sharp's vs. flat's). The Circle of Forths is common for using flats starting in the opposite direction from the fifths (some diagrams show fifths clockwise, others counter-clockwise). Either way the fifth of C is G and the forth of C is F.
The method that hit home was looking at the theory in a straight line, like this. It starts and ends at the key of C. Then take the fifth of C and start a G Major scale.
C-Major scale (up 2 octives)
C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D-E-F -G-A-B-C
-G-A-B-C-D-E-F#-G-A-B-C-D
D-E-F#-G-A-B-C#-D
And so on..........................................
When you complete B you will have 5 #'s and then F# will make 6 #'s.
From that point start over again with C but this time use the forth note which is F and do the F Major scale. It will contain 1 b note. Continue the forths until you reach Gb which will make 6 b's (the same note as F#) and the circle will be complete. When making a modulation (change in key) the more common notes shared between the keys the smoother the transition.

I have the "circle of fifths" in picture format, if you're interested. It's at home, but I could scan it and post it here if there was an interest.

Originally Posted by: Scotttaylor72I have the "circle of fifths" in picture format, if you're interested. It's at home, but I could scan it and post it here if there was an interest.

Post it here and I will make it into a sticky.

Here are a few that I have laying around. Enjoy.

... and two more.

explainations to noob?
lol i dont understand wats this =O

Originally Posted by: wreckensexplainations to noob?
lol i dont understand wats this =O

Basically this theory shows the relationship of notes between the Root Major scale and the Fifth note of the Root when you start the Major scale intervals at the fifth note going in the direction of #'s.
Example: Starting @ C. The fifth note of C Major is G, which is the dominant note of C Major. They share all of the same notes but one. When you start the Major scale intervals with G, the F note from C Major has to be sharpened (raised 1/2 step) to F# by following suit. So G Major has one # note compared to C Major. The Fifth note of G Major is D, which has two #'s compared to C Major and so on.
Going in the direction of b#'s starting @ C again, the forth note of C Major is F (starting with the direction of b's is known as the circle of forths), which is the sub-dominant note of C Major. They share all of the same notes but one as well. One note needs to be flattened (lowered 1/2 step). The B note from C Major needs to be flattened to Bb.
Looking at the notes of F Major you will notice that C is the fifth note.
Take the notes needed to make a G7 chord (known as a dominant 7th) and see how they relate to C Major.
Try C7 and how it's related to F Major and so on.

A little lesson from one of our instructors of the circle of fifths :)

http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=10146

P.S.: Great Thread BTW

Originally Posted by: BenoitA little lesson from one of our instructors of the circle of fifths :)

http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=10146

P.S.: Great Thread BTW

Too bad others grounded in this theory don't contribute such great links as this one by Benoit. Member or not, the opportunity of stumbling across this info could change a struggling musicians life. That's worth more than $$$$$$ because that 1 gain who it clicks with can influence many more.
Great Post!!!!

Originally Posted by: dvenetian That's worth more than $$$$$$ because that 1 gain who it clicks with can influence many more.
Great Post!!!!

I'll take the money...
:D

Hey, I see that Jolly made a sticky out of it. Weeeeee!!!!