Read the two rings
Each outer label is a major key. The smaller inner label is its relative natural minor, which uses the same key signature and seven notes but places the tonal center on scale degree six.
Keys · harmony · sound
Circle of Fifths
Major keys form the outer ring; relative minors sit within. Follow the wheel clockwise into sharps or counterclockwise into flats.
Explore keys on the interactive circle
C major & A minor
Key signatureNo sharps or flats
Scale degrees & triads
Tap or click to playI TonicIV SubdominantV Dominantvi Relative minor
Scale notation
C major and A minor selected. No sharps or flats.
How to read the circle of fifths
The wheel turns fifteen written key signatures into one map. Direction reveals the accidental pattern, paired rings connect relative major and minor keys, and adjacent sectors expose closely related harmony.
Move clockwise into sharps
From C, each clockwise step rises by a perfect fifth and adds one sharp: G adds F♯, D adds C♯ next, and the order continues F–C–G–D–A–E–B.
Move counterclockwise into flats
Counterclockwise, each step rises by a perfect fourth and adds one flat. Their order is B–E–A–D–G–C–F, beginning with B♭ in F major.
Use neighboring keys
A key’s immediate neighbors differ by one written accidental and share six of its seven scale notes. In a major key those neighbors also supply the roots of IV and V, the subdominant and dominant chords.
Build chords with Roman numerals
Stacking alternate notes of any major scale produces the same quality pattern: I–ii–iii–IV–V–vi–vii°. Uppercase numerals are major, lowercase are minor, and the degree symbol marks the diminished triad.
Understand the overlap spellings
B/C♭, F♯/G♭, and C♯/D♭ occupy the same three pitch positions on a piano, but their notation and signatures are different. The wheel keeps both spellings selectable so the written key remains accurate.