Circle of fifths: interactive chart of every key
An interactive circle of fifths: tap any key to hear its chord, see every key signature and relative minor, and learn how to use the circle to find chords.
The circle of fifths arranges the 12 keys so that each key is a perfect fifth (7 semitones) above the one before it, going clockwise: C, G, D, A, E, B, F♯/G♭, D♭, A♭, E♭, B♭, F. Each step clockwise adds one sharp to the key signature; each step counterclockwise adds one flat. The inner ring shows each major key's relative minor (A minor for C major), which shares its key signature.
Tap a key to hear it
to hear its chord
Outer ring: major keys (with the number of sharps ♯ or flats ♭). Inner ring: their relative minor keys. Neighbours are a fifth apart.
How to use the circle of fifths
- Key signatures: count the steps from C. D is two steps clockwise, so D major has two sharps (F♯ and C♯).
- Primary chords: a key's I, IV and V are side by side. For G, the neighbours are C (IV) and D (V).
- Relative minor: the inner ring gives the minor key with the same signature (E minor for G major).
- Strong progressions: moving counterclockwise (D → G → C) is the root motion of V–I and ii–V–I.
- Changing key: neighbouring keys differ by one note, so modulating to them sounds smooth.
The order of sharps and flats
Sharps are always added in the order F♯ C♯ G♯ D♯ A♯ E♯ B♯ (Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle). Flats come in the reverse order: B♭ E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ C♭ F♭ (Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles' Father). Shortcut: in a sharp key the tonic is a half step above the last sharp (F♯ C♯ → D major); in a flat key with two or more flats, the tonic is the second-to-last flat (B♭ E♭ A♭ → E♭ major).
Quick test: key signatures
Use the circle above if you need it.
Score: / 5 (your score updates as you answer)
Every key signature and its relative minor
Fifteen signatures: three keys at the bottom of the circle have two spellings (B = C♭, F♯ = G♭, D♭ = C♯).
| Major key | Key signature | Accidentals | Relative minor | Hear it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C major | none | – | A minor | |
| G major | 1 sharp | F♯ | E minor | |
| F major | 1 flat | B♭ | D minor | |
| D major | 2 sharps | F♯ C♯ | B minor | |
| B♭ major | 2 flats | B♭ E♭ | G minor | |
| A major | 3 sharps | F♯ C♯ G♯ | F♯ minor | |
| E♭ major | 3 flats | B♭ E♭ A♭ | C minor | |
| E major | 4 sharps | F♯ C♯ G♯ D♯ | C♯ minor | |
| A♭ major | 4 flats | B♭ E♭ A♭ D♭ | F minor | |
| B major | 5 sharps | F♯ C♯ G♯ D♯ A♯ | G♯ minor | |
| D♭ major | 5 flats | B♭ E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ | B♭ minor | |
| F♯ major | 6 sharps | F♯ C♯ G♯ D♯ A♯ E♯ | D♯ minor | |
| G♭ major | 6 flats | B♭ E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ C♭ | E♭ minor | |
| C♯ major | 7 sharps | F♯ C♯ G♯ D♯ A♯ E♯ B♯ | A♯ minor | |
| C♭ major | 7 flats | B♭ E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ C♭ F♭ | A♭ minor |
Frequently asked questions
What is the order of the circle of fifths?
Clockwise from C: C, G, D, A, E, B, F sharp (G flat), D flat, A flat, E flat, B flat, F, then back to C.
How do you read the circle of fifths?
Clockwise each key adds a sharp, counterclockwise each key adds a flat. The number of steps from C is the number of sharps or flats in that key's signature.
What is the order of sharps and flats?
Sharps: F, C, G, D, A, E, B ("Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle"). Flats are the reverse: B, E, A, D, G, C, F.
Why is it called the circle of fifths?
Each key is a perfect fifth above the previous one. After 12 fifths you arrive back at the starting note (seven octaves higher), closing the circle.
What is the circle of fourths?
The same circle read counterclockwise: each step goes up a perfect fourth (C, F, B flat, E flat...), the direction jazz progressions usually move.