Music theory tools

Circle of Fifths Visualizer

Click any major key on the outer ring or its relative minor on the inner ring to see its relatives and closely related neighboring keys.

Circle of Fifths

Click any key on the wheel to see its details.

How to use the circle of fifths visualizer

  1. Find a keyLook at the outer ring for major keys and the inner ring for their relative minors.
  2. Click to selectClick any key on either ring to select its major/minor pair.
  3. Read the info panelSee the relative counterpart and the two closely related neighboring keys update below the wheel.

How the wheel is laid out

The 12 major keys are arranged clockwise around the outer ring starting at C, with each step clockwise moving up a perfect fifth and adding one sharp to the key signature (or removing one flat). Each major key's relative minor sits directly inside it on the inner ring, at the same position on the wheel, since a major key and its relative minor share the exact same key signature. The two keys immediately next to any selected key on the wheel are its closely related keys — they differ by only one accidental.

Two rings, one wheel

The outer ring shows all 12 major keys; the inner ring shows their relative minors in the same rotational order.

Instant relatives

Clicking any key highlights its major/minor pair and lists both in the info panel below.

Closely related keys

The wheel's neighbors on either side of a selected key share all but one sharp or flat, which is why they're commonly used for smooth key changes.

Circle of Fifths Visualizer FAQ

What is the circle of fifths?

It's a diagram that arranges all 12 major keys (and their relative minors) in a circle so that each step clockwise moves up by a perfect fifth and adds one sharp to the key signature, while each step counter-clockwise moves down a fifth and adds one flat.

What does "closely related keys" mean?

The two keys directly next to a chosen key on the wheel are its closely related keys. They sit a perfect fifth away and share all but one accidental (sharp or flat) with the selected key, which is why they tend to sound harmonically close to it.

How is the relative minor shown?

Each major key on the outer ring has its relative minor directly inside it on the inner ring, at the same position on the wheel. Clicking either one selects that same major/minor pair.

Does this tool play any audio?

No. This is a purely visual reference and music theory tool; it does not generate, play, or record any sound.

Why are some keys shown with two names, like G#/Ab?

Those are enharmonic keys — the same pitches written and named two different ways depending on the musical context. Both names are shown since either is commonly used.

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