Circle of Fifths: Interactive Key Chart
This interactive circle of fifths shows how all twelve major and minor keys relate. Click any key and you see its key signature in sharps or flats, the notes of its major scale, the relative minor, the seven chords built on the scale with Roman numerals, and the closely related neighbor keys: the dominant, the subdominant and their relatives. Press play to hear the scale or the common I-IV-V-I progression. It helps with songwriting, transposing, learning key signatures and choosing chords that sound good together on piano or guitar. Everything is drawn and played locally in your browser.
Circle of Fifths
Click any key on the circle to see its key signature, scale notes, relative minor and chords, and hear them.
How to use the Circle of Fifths
- Click a key on the outer ring (major) or inner ring (minor).
- Read the key signature, scale and chords.
- Press Play scale or Play I-IV-V-I to listen.
- Use the key list for the flat and sharp spellings such as F♯ and G♭.
Features
- Clickable circle of all 12 major and minor keys
- Key signature with number of sharps or flats
- Scale notes spelled correctly
- Seven diatonic chords with Roman numerals
- Relative minor and neighbor keys
- Audio playback of scale and progression
Frequently asked questions
What is the circle of fifths?
It is a diagram that arranges the 12 notes in steps of a perfect fifth. Each step clockwise adds a sharp to the key signature and each step counterclockwise adds a flat.
How do I find the relative minor?
Go down three semitones from the major tonic, or look at the inner ring. C major and A minor share the same notes and key signature.
Which keys sound good together?
Neighbors on the circle share almost all their notes. From C major, the closest keys are G major, F major, A minor, E minor and D minor.
Why are there two names at the bottom?
F♯ major (6 sharps) and G♭ major (6 flats) sound the same on a piano but are written differently. Choose either from the key list.
How do I use it for songwriting?
Pick a key and use chords I, IV and V, then add vi and ii. All chords shown fit together in the key.