How to read the circle of fifths
The outer ring holds the 12 major keys. Clockwise, each step goes up a fifth and adds a sharp: C, G, D, A, E, B, F#. Counterclockwise, each step goes down a fifth and adds a flat: F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db. The middle ring holds each key's relative minor, and the inner ring holds its diminished chord.
Finding the chords of any key
Every major key's seven chords sit in a tight slice of the circle. Take G major:
- I, IV and V are G, with C to its left and D to its right.
- vi, ii and iii are the minor chords just inside them: Em, Am and Bm.
- vii° is the diminished chord in the center ring: F#dim.
That's why so many songs use the same handful of chords. They're neighbors on the circle.
Writing progressions with the circle
- Move counterclockwise to resolve. Each step counterclockwise is the strongest pull in music, a fifth falling down: D to G, A to D. The ii–V–I (Am–D–G) is three steps home.
- Neighbors sound smooth. Chords next to each other share notes, so moves between them never sound jarring.
- Borrow across the circle for color. The flat-seven chord (F in G major) sits one step past the IV and gives rock its swagger.
Changing keys
The smoothest key changes go to a neighbor on the circle, because only one note changes. Moving to the relative minor (straight inward) changes no notes at all, only the home chord.
Every key at a glance
C majorG majorD majorA majorE majorB majorF# majorDb majorAb majorEb majorBb majorF majorA minorE minorB minorF# minorC# minorG# minorD# minorBb minorF minorC minorG minorD minor
Common questions
What is the circle of fifths?
It's a map of all 12 keys. Moving clockwise, each key is a perfect fifth higher and adds one sharp. Moving counterclockwise, each key is a fifth lower and adds one flat. Keys next to each other share all but one note.
How do I find the chords in a key with the circle of fifths?
Find the key on the outer ring. That chord is I. The chord to its left is IV and the one to its right is V. The three minor chords directly inside those (inner ring) are ii, vi and iii. The diminished chord in the innermost ring is vii°. Together they're the seven chords of the key.
How do songwriters use the circle of fifths?
To pick chords that fit together, to write progressions that move smoothly (moving counterclockwise feels like resolving home), to find the relative minor of a key, and to change keys smoothly by moving to a neighbor.
What is the relative minor?
Each major key shares its notes with one minor key, shown directly inside it on the circle. C major and A minor use the same notes, as do G major and E minor.
How does the capo tip work?
As you add chords, GuitarMath checks every capo position from 0 to 7 and picks the one that turns your chords into the easiest open shapes, like G, C, D, Em and Am.
Why do flat keys and sharp keys meet at the bottom?
F# major and Gb major are the same pitches spelled two ways. The circle shows F# on the sharp side; Db through F use flats.
Last updated November 14, 2026.