Circle of Fifths: Everything You Need to Know

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The circle of fifths is a unique pattern of the 12 pitches in western classical music theory which is commonly paired with information about key signatures but also gives many insights into harmony, intervals, transposition, and chord structure.
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0:00 - Introduction
0:56 - How It's Built
2:16 - Major and Minor Key Signatures
3:59 - Harmony
6:32 - Intervals and Transposition
8:12 - Chord Structure
10:44 - Conclusion
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Check out my other videos here:
Key Signatures - • Key Signatures - Every...
Major Scales - • Major scales: Everythi...
Minor Scales - • Minor Scales - Everyth...
Intervals Part I - • Intervals: Part I - Ha...
Intervals Part II - • Intervals: Part II - T...
Concert Pitch and Transposing Instruments - • What is concert pitch,...
How to Play 3000% Faster - • Play 3000% Faster in J...
3000% Faster Playalong Video - • How To Play 3000% Fast...
Note Naming - • Note Naming: Everythin...
Dynamics - • Dynamics: Everything Y...
Modes - • Musical Modes: Everyth...
Parallel Scales - • Modifying the Major Sc...
www.bradharrison.ca
/ bradharrison

[@BradHarrison]

Take private lessons online with me! Trumpet, brass, theory, composition & arranging, improvisation, or whatever musical/life coaching you’d like to work on. More information at www.bradharrison.ca/lessons

[@christiano9819]

I appreciate the taupe/beige background. It is more calming on my eyes and less harsh than a bright white screen that feels overwhelming while I’m trying to study this lol

[@josephelton3438]

It’s paper towel

[@christiano9819]

@@josephelton3438 LOL! Really? I wouldn’t have guessed that, but I like it!

[@thearmyakapradap2040]

Facts

[@lathebrightman]

lol

[@kamikozzzy]

thank god. we were all worried about your eyes being calm

[@chrishamilton4999]

My guess is that it will take me about a year to absorb most of this. Everything moves from seemingly elementary to complex is a very short time. thank you very much for doing this for the music community.

[@brassholio]

That's a very mature way of looking at it. Even when I was at university it would take me that long to really comprehend what I was learning and it wasn't until I graduated that I was able to practically apply everything I'd learned into my playing. Even longer to be able to do it well. That was 15 years ago and I'm still learning from my colleagues from new experiences. Music is one of those things that the more you learn, the more you realise you have to learn. It can be daunting but luckily it's a live long endeavour.

[@josephkalish3364]

It doesn't help that he speaks so fast. Playing it over and over is of help though.

[@phillipdonnelly6430]

@@brassholio Morale of the story...start young.....if you're too old......listen. Is that it. Because after 2 years....I haven't even got my head around any of this completely. Or should I forget music theory and just play what I can. I started piano at 65. Have I just been wasting my time!?!

[@brassholio]

@@phillipdonnelly6430 I don't think you're wasting your time at all. I was lucky that I started at 6, but there are prodigy type musicians who are way above my level and always will be. That doesn't mean I can't have a fulfilling and rewarding career. There's always going to be someone better than you, but that doesn't mean that you can't get an amazing amount of satisfaction with whatever you choose to do with your music. The fact that you're even approaching this sort of level after only 2 years is admirable. To me, music is for everyone. We're not in the 18th century where only the noble were taught, we're better than that and we can all share in it together. We're not in competition, there's no reason that we can't share in it for pure joy and learning. Keep going.

[@BradHarrison]

Learning some scales and chords and beginning to recognize patterns will probably make learning pieces a lot easier in the medium-long term. And every time you absorb something new, it will feed understanding of other related concepts. But of course, you should pursue your own goals for your own satisfaction. Good luck!

[@hambugg]

incredible how i've been playing piano for 20 years, I've taken and passed 10 state certified music levels, passed an advanced college course in jazz theory, and only now do I feel like I understand the circle of fifths. what the hell. You're awesome

[@BradHarrison]

Excellent! Glad this was able to bring some things together for you. There’s no doubt your background, training, and experience helped massively though. This is all very overwhelming for a lot of people.

[@MrBubbyG_Official]

You sound like a very interesting person. How are you doing? What are you up to now?

[@humblehombre9904]

At least you were able to tell the class how great you are. Geez…

[@johnlong8082]

I learned more here in 10 minutes than I did in a year of music lessons at my school. Thank you.

[@EnslaveTheWorld]

You should stop dozing off in class :D

[@johnlong8082]

@@EnslaveTheWorld You obviously never knew my music teacher, he was hopeless. Lol

[@jonathanandrew2909]

@@johnlong8082 he had an entire year curriculum to fill up (or drag on) for his paycheck lest he be viewed as not having anything to do.

[@BradHarrison]

Never attribute to malice what can be explained by incompetence. Not to drag on John’s music teacher, just saying. All the respect to teachers in general, but some of them are not the best either.

[@standardofexcellence]

They will never teach you what you really need to know

[@ATthemusician]

Something notable is that if you take a key, let's say G which has 1 sharp, and look at Gb, it has 6 flats. A key signature and its flattened counterpart have sharps/flats that always add up to 7. C has 0 sharps while Cb has 7 flats, E has 4 sharps while Eb has 3 flats, D has 2 sharps while Db has 5 flats, etc.

[@adamflory8473]

Wow cool observation!

[@jettalton2762]

Thanks for sharing! I think I saw Victor Wooten mention this in one of his talks, recommend you check it out, it's very interesting!

[@andrewroberts7428]

this is SO CLUTCH!!! for the longest time i've always thought of major and minor scales in terms of their half step intervals, or, more specifically, there are half steps between the 2nd and 3rd and 5th and 6th notes in a minor scale and half steps between the 3rd and 4th and 7th and 8th in a major scale. what you've observed deepens and crystallizes my understanding of those intervals tremendously. thank you! time for some modulation!!

[@birmingham0613]

"flatted"

[@jacklynreed3677]

Thank you for this, and i mean that dude

[@adikickass84]

I've always found parallels between music, painting, and science in the sense that the infinite complexity of it all is produced by combinations of a small set of basic primary elements. The way you explained it in this video puts everything into perspective. Also, I spent close to half an hour trying to figure out that stairs diagram before I finally gave up lol. Thanks man, your videos are the gift that keeps on giving.

[@goldenlamb777]

I can relate . I’m an artist, also a biochemist. Learning only now how to play. Circle of fifth is my culprit.

[@BreadLightPray_EWFMgtr]

it's because the Arts & sciences and Life are truly infinite like God who created them all ❕✝️ ....there is ultimately nothing mysterious about infinity in the knowledge of God , except to keep learning for infinity.... kzbin.info/aero/PLotPfw-ygPSUrJCsXjcr_b4N76Id6Zp5j

[@ponolepono2165]

How am I even Understanding what @Dr Blue said🤔 Ah ha!Word Smith well put n said @Dr Blue 😅👌

[@adikickass84]

@@ponolepono2165 heheh thanks bro I try. I guess it's something we all understand intuitively. You know, like how mixing red and blue produces purple, mixing sweet and salty gives you savory, and playing a C note with an E note gives you a sound that's completely different than the 2 notes by themselves. I've always found the chemistry of how our senses work really fascinating. And to think we didn't even invent any of this shit, it just exists in the universe and we're discovering it. Pretty amazing.

[@user-vr8qd4hk6y]

@@adikickass84 Maybe you will be interested in "The Glass Bead Game". It's a novel by fantastic writer, central motive is exactly mixing music and science. It's about Main character's personal development and career in a civilisation of high culture where philosophy, art and science are very close to each other and are the most important things.

[@lightwarrior3697]

Man you broke this down so much easier than my music courses.

[@lewissaundersguitar]

And just as I became aware and surprised that I hadn’t heard it yet, ‘the lick’ appeared.

[@Jugem16]

I'm getting back into music after a looooong time away from it. Knowing how lacking I was in theory, finding this video serves as a perfect reintroduction for me. Brilliant resource. Thank you!

[@jonjeffries3265]

Mee too..

[@modmeddon]

As a visual learner, I've always been able to grasp a new concept, skill or task when demonstrated and explained exactly as you have. Thank you for this exceptional video that finally turned the "lightbulb" on in my brain!

[@BradHarrison]

Excellent! That was the plan!

[@dawsonzentz2078]

I just started learning music theory and this just absolutely BLOWS my mind. I’m currently a premed student in my junior year and am playing guitar/learning theory as a hobby. Basically just doing anything music because I love music so much. I spent about 3 hours on this 11 minute video just soaking up every piece of info here and this is by far the best video I’ve come across about this topic. I can not thank you enough

[@gartyqam]

i'm sorry but if you're a premed, then you have to give up your hobby if you ever get accepted into medical school

[@dawsonzentz2078]

@@gartyqam update: I gave up premed to focus more on the hobby 😂

[@BradHarrison]

Whoa! Big update! How are you feeling about it?

[@dawsonzentz2078]

@@BradHarrison feeling pretty good. Since the initial comment, I’ve learned a ton about music theory and have made a LOT of music. It’s become such a relaxing thing to do and I use Logic Pro to make all my music. I’ve released a few instrumental tracks under the name “Dawson Zentz” on streaming platforms and I’m just really enjoying the process of it all. But a lot of it started with this video so I appreciate it a TON!!!!!

[@suryakiran3085]

@@dawsonzentz2078😆😆

[@dancingfrogable]

This is great! I have a couple of degrees in music and this is the first time I've seen anyone work the circle of fifth like this. Thanks 🎻

[@BradHarrison]

High praise! Glad you enjoyed!

[@dust.8179]

If i didn't watch this, i would've failed class, this man deserves more subs.

[@treeman9525]

Same

[@tonyjj2782]

You add the lick , I add the like

[@shaunoleary8740]

I'll have to watch this 700 more times but I'm fascinated so thank you for making it!

[@MrMurphyum]

Incredible that this knowledge is thousands of years old, yet still hard to learn despite of how obvious it sounds after the explanation. I'll have to watch it a bit more times again. Nice animation and the sounds helps a LOT! Thank you!

[@MattiaManzini]

Actually less than a thousand years old

[@bachouvenn430]

Exactly when i need this, you release this. Are you reading my mind?

[@BradHarrison]

There are many benefits to understanding the wonders of the circle of fifths.

[@jonathankirkpatrick9493]

Dude what? I was just watching a tutorial on yt about the circle of Fiths when this came up on my feed

[@dankuchar6821]

The creepy algorithm knows all!

[@braydenchen3833]

thank you

[@averychilco]

@@BradHarrison Where have you been all my life. For 50 years I have said screw music theory, wish you were around in the first grade. Absolutely loved the illustrations and explanations, you are the greatest and you have no contemporaries; everyone is just students compared to you. Thanks so so much. (all in 11 mins may I add, simply amazing).

[@DinoNuggies4665]

I've watched Piano Pig for a long time, he taught me just about everything I know, and this video just strapped it all together. Now I just need to memorize the circle, practice the licc around the circle, learn how to read sheet music, and I'm a full out musician.

[@magusx1125]

This is by far the best explanation of the circle of 5ths I've ever seen. Thank you for this!

[@stautbertfernandes7685]

Proof that im getting better at music theory is that everytime i watch this video i learn something new.. I understand the frst half of the video

[@alexdeathnote1]

How can you explain a whole year of school program in 12 minutes? This is just insane

[@BradHarrison]

Thanks!

[@scottmckenna9164]

Ah!, grasshopper, it is school that is insane! Self taught rules.

[@chrisrones671]

I've always had trouble understanding this concept, but OH MY WORD did this make it so much easier to understand. I'll definitely be back to watch more of this

[@Earth-Worm-Tim]

This is undoubtedly the best explanation of the circle of fifths I’ve ever seen. I am self taught and been playing guitar off and on for 25 years. Most theory videos require some degree of abstract prerequisite knowledge (reasonably so); however, this often translates to very abstract explanations. But this video just tied together more in 11 minutes than I’ve been able to do alone in 11 years. Thank you so much for creating and sharing this video!

[@lindaginn7714]

Like everyone else, I appreciate how thoroughly, yet concisely you explain everything in a manner that is easy to understand. The visuals and illustrations are excellent! I don't have anything to add to what others have commented on. This comment is mainly to appease the algorithm gods. 🙂 Thank you for all your efforts to make these videos!

[@BradHarrison]

Haha. Thanks for the support! Glad you enjoyed and let’s hope the algorithm smiles up on me. ;-)

[@BradHarrison]

Check my channel for the videos on major scales and on key signatures. I think that will clear everything up for you! Good luck!

[@empireman1077]

I had piano lessons in the 1990s, I was in my late 20s I never was told about this by my teacher, however, I wanted to learn the basis skills I could write down the music on manuscript form, I could read it and learned my own instrumentals in a few months You can be self taught, but to be a real talented musician this is essential to study in my opinion 👍🎹🎼

[@charlesarmstrong5292]

Teaching my grandson how the Circle of Fifths hangs together was possibly going to be difficult. Now I have your excellently detailed video. Many thanks.

[@anthonynunyabizness9989]

I've watched many of these explanations and without a doubt this has been the best. Perfectly simple and straight forward. Clearly spoken and not a word wasted. Thank you sir this is my new go to circle of fifths lesson.

[@johnw614]

This has been the most enlightening lesson on the circle of 5ths that I have found on youtube. Thank you for sharing your insight, and your ability to clearly explain.

[@Threshroge]

4:57-this next part blew my mind

[@BradHarrison]

Neat, huh?

[@carterfelderva]

@@BradHarrison You were having too much fun, Brad. ;)

[@broda769]

You weren't kidding with everything you need to know. I'm subscribing because you explain this so clearly

[@residentemil_]

This was probably the most approachable explanation I've seen so far. Very well done.

[@younghofftv]

I’m 28 and been playing music for a while but just recently cared about learning music theory. This stuff is awesome. Blows me away every time 🙏🏼

[@fezilebrianwitbooi1229]

I was taught this in college 5 years ago but I just realized I had no clue. Thank you sir.

[@walangkausap630]

Thank you so much for explaining the techniques for me to better understand the circle of fifths and music theory in general! I am a choir vocalist and part instrumentalist for the choir and I always wanted to learn about how to read notes and what scale should I use to apply it into playing it. I am very grateful.

[@Winkkin]

Ive never hear the Circle explained so completely and concisely. Thank You!!

[@kirkr1961]

I've probably watched 50 different videos about the circle of fiths and none of them explain it the way you did. This video answered my question that I have had for a long time. Thank you so very much.

[@karenstott7980]

my brain hurts.

[@BrianWaltmans]

learning this for the first time is like I'm a child again discovering the sky is blue. Thank you for creating such a good lesson

[@slapeters2004]

I’ve been playing the piano for 41 years now, with the last 25 of those years semi-professionally in numerous bands. This is most likely the best explanation of the Co5 that I’ve ever seen. In the band I’m in now, those of us that were classically trained understand changeups on the fly and revert to a number system for quick transposition to get us going in the right key. You can always tell the musician who plays strictly by ear because they’ll have to listen along before they jump back in to the song. Music theory and foundation is so critically important if you want to be any good at all. The problem is, no one wants to work for it and they pick an instrument and just think their fingers are going to magically start playing the instrument. I have a hard time with musicians wanting to break into the performance scene, but end up sucking because they lack the foundation. Just like anything.

[@BradHarrison]

Thanks for the kind words! I would never want to gatekeep and say this information is necessary to be a good musician when there are plenty of great musicians who don’t know than stuff. But it’s also insanely useful for communication and learning and anyone who thinks this stuff is too complicated or isn’t useful should maybe reconsider. Every craft/discipline has theory.

[@larasheilan4985]

@@BradHarrison May I ask what software do You use to make all this stunning videos?

[@mrjack465]

I've been a bedroom musician for a long time and most of my knowledge was just based on experience. I've heard this term before but this was really helpful and super insightful. Thanks for helping an old dog learn new tricks!

[@ivannvillanueva6294]

The most condensed lecture on the subject i have seen. Thank you for the simplification

[@GregHarradineComposer]

One of the best and most succinct explanations of the circle of fifths that I've come across. Thanks Brad!

[@MazRixx]

this is one of the best explanations I have ever seen for this - very well done!

[@TheDizzleHawke]

The circle of fifths came naturally to me, and it’s the number one tool I use in live performance. As a dueling piano player playing all requests, I often have to wing it on songs I haven’t rehearsed, but have heard enough times to have a basic feel for them. I rely heavily on the circle of 5ths for this.

[@guillaume1306]

This is the best video I have seen on the subject. It covers so many fundamental concepts and it’s explained in such a simple way. Harmony is to music what geometry is in math. This is so beautifully explained. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@avipatable]

I have just watched 3 of your videos and all have been incredibly insightful, watchable and easy to understand. Thank you very much.

[@BradHarrison]

Excellent! Glad you enjoyed!

[@ireneruthwall3677]

This description is really great and interesting - need this to proceed in your musical journey.

[@apumpkin6287]

got recommended to me a day before my music exam, learned more than in the last 3 years I had music, great work 👍🏻

[@kama7021]

As a horn student who really struggles with transposition this is going to be very useful! I’ve heard about the circle of fifths before but I’ve never heard transposition explained this way before. Thanks!

[@WrighteousBrand]

Best explanation of the circle of fifth I’ve ever seen. Thank you.

[@mariacholi3054]

I have been learning music theory for 3 years now (im 12) and nobody has explained anything as good as you did! Thanku very much!!

[@BradHarrison]

Excellent! Happy to help!

[@barriereid9244]

I am as far away as it possibly can be from a music teacher and your tutorials are enlightening and instructive. Many thanks.

[@zelalemshibeshi5344]

What a wonderful teacher you are! Thank you for all your efforts to help people. This is a great resource.

[@santom13]

This is beyond fascinating. Fantastic work. Reminded me one of Albert Einstein quotes on how one cannot explain “any” concept using simple terms unless he/she doesn’t understand it fully. You love what you teach and it is evident in your videos. Thanks a lot. Good luck.

[@Myuunium]

More than anything, thank you for not being the insufferable type of KZbinr who drags out an unnecessary introduction of who they are and what they're going to tell you for 2 full minutes before _maybe_ getting to the point. I'm barely a minute in and you're already explaining things, a luxury that 99% of KZbinrs don't know they can give to viewers.

[@stanleyxu3904]

This is probably the best explanation and visual graphic I've seen, well done 🙏

[@Jaimefumer13]

The lick hahaha :) Very good video ! Thank you for sharing.

[@deadredeyes]

Was looking for this comment! Haha

[@cathygoltsoff9615]

Thank you for the wonderful reference tool! I recently love to play double stops on the violin and now the cello. I read music and play by ear. I love to play chords on my stringed instruments it’s almost like learning a new instrument or like a child with a new toy. Thank you for making this video.

[@michealraymondpeterson7234]

Hello Cathy, How’re you doing ?

[@theNecksLevel]

This is a great video. I've been a musician for most my life and I've never had it explained to me this clearly.

[@musicsimplyexplained]

Best visualisation of the concepts and patterns of circle of fifth I have seen so far.

[@joanrusche6918]

The circle of fifths has always baffled me. Thank you for explaining it. In the past I just memorize which keys had flats or sharps and which were the fourth and fifth of the tonic. I learned a lot in this video.

[@vivfaydonahue687]

Interesting to read one of the comments from a pro - the "dueling pianist " regarding his "mental" use of the Circle in performance. My experience too.. from a vocalists standpoint: When hired to sing jazz Standards in local country club gigs with the Jack Burke Trio, he would only ask me "if I knew the lyrics" & listen to me sing a few notes -(quietly to Jack at the piano) - and we were off and running for a great time.. the base player jumped right in, as did the percussion. When asked how he did that, Jack said "the great Standards follow a given circle of harmony" ...it never changes if you want to sing the tune higher or lower. When I took up the piano after Jack passed on, it all worked beautifully as I got a handle on the simplicity of the Circle. As the great Bill Evans, in one of his many interviews shared his story of learning the Classical "rote" lessons when young.. but in his 20s after his US Service, he moved in with his parents in New Jersey, bought a piano and spent over 2 years in a "watershed" self-learning mode, so he could play with the best in NY and without any music. Awesome, this life-learning endeavor to play the beautiful harmonies I too "hear in my head."

[@mjdorads]

Guys never skip ads on this channel. The person behind this deserves to earn something for these premium contents.

[@joannpelas5101]

My music teacher just taught me how to use the circle of fifths to learn my scales that have the same finger patterns as the key of C. I'm a new piano student but I'm an older student. It really helped.

[@fatherandsonbaseball]

This video has an insane amount of useful information!🤯 Thank you so much for putting this together ✌️

[@anprabh1]

All I've learned are the basic scales and chords on the piano, and staff notations (that I have mostly forgotten) on the piano, but from a mathematician's POV, this was quite interesting!

[@ddrsteen]

This was fascinating. I think this got me closer to knowing what I don’t know than I’ve ever been before. One wonders if musicians like Donald Fagen-known to be familiar and conversant with theory-push aside their theoretical knowledge as they seek the music in their head. Obviously such musicians have immediate access to that theoretical knowledge, but I’m guessing the sound drives their genius more than the math.

[@ralisgroffen]

Imagine making music if you are deaf, like Beethoven at his end

[@laskartrece]

Intuition is our capacity for direct knowledge of complicated things... I agree. All these elements and connections are representations of what is already there, in existence. Marvelous use of the left brain, though... Thank you.

[@gillypen2698]

@@ralisgroffen incredible genius to be able to ‘hear’ the notes in his head!

[@terrylaw18]

This is an interesting question. Also comments about Beethoven being deaf. Was just talking about that recently. I find that I can conceptualize or"hear" music in my mind. Kind of understand how he could compose 9th while deaf. Problem I have is translating what's in the mind to keyboard. That's where a sound knowledge of theory is valuable. I find videos like this very helpful and my abilities are gradually expanding. I believe that the theory enabled Fagin to bring his ideas to life. But technique is also a vital component.

[@andarsantariogultom1954]

Insane. Your explanation... God, such understanding is rare to be found these days. Thank you.

[@ciaradundas9723]

I've been playing for almost 30 years.... but you just literally exploded my brain. I'm over here drooling lol

[@BradHarrison]

Haha. Fantastic! Mission accomplished.

[@BradHarrison]

Learn to play piano with my friends at Skoove: www.skoove.com/#a_aid=bradharrisonmusic

[@jauischneider4179]

C to f is a fourth F to C is a fifth. A two five one progression moves in furthd oounterclockwise on the circle. The octave displacement of the bass note doesn’t matter. It’s a case of voicing or orchestration. Your progression is stilll moving in fourths that helps you recognize a chord progression.

[@jauischneider4179]

Sorry for the misspelling,can’t figure out how to edit.

[@BradHarrison]

It’s both both ways. Clockwise is fifths up(fourths down), counterclockwise is fifths down(fourths up). Both are valid and correct. Check this out: The Circle of Fifths vs The Circle of Fourths kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYWTd5Stptembtk

[@jauischneider4179]

@@BradHarrison not to try to be right but I think it’s an important distinction when you’re teaching. You name an interval by counting the letters. C to F sharp is a sharp 4. C to G flat is a flat fifth. I understand what you’re saying about the circle of course. But if you’re looking at a chord sheet and you see a C chord to and F chord you would never say The harmony is moving fifths. Just musical grammar. Thanks for making the video

[@BradHarrison]

Going up, yes. But you can also go down from C to F# and that’s a descending diminished fifth. Fourths are fifths as they relate to the circle can be super confusing so I purposefully glossed over the fourths aspect and eventually made a a whole separate video about it for those who wanted more info about it. And I stand by this decision. You’re going to lose some people any way you do it but I think this was the best option. You want a top level broad understanding of these concepts and can get into the weeds later on. No beginner is going to absorb all this information on the first try. It’s just way too much. Both fourths and fifths are valid, even for chord progressions. A ii-V-I is often played a fourth up and then a fifth down. But it can and often is played a fifth down and then a fourth up. Or two fourths up, or two fifths down. They’re both valid and possible. If you’re playing All The Things You Are, the bass is going to navigate it using every permutation even though we often say the tune is based on fourths. Hope that all helps! All the best and thanks for the support!

[@MightyMonk360]

No need to plead the fifth, we can all agree this is the best and most informative video on the circle of fifths.

[@BradHarrison]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful!

[@DrakeBrown-pi5cb]

For the first time in my life!! I feel like I finally understand you circle of fifths!! Oh how far we’ve come!!

[@AlmostMonumental27]

Understanding the Circle Of Fifths is the key to good improvisation in a jazz context, and in comprehending the scope and structure of any well-composed piece of music, classical or popular. It's like a device that has descended from paradise to give us understanding of the music we play, listen to and enjoy.

[@BradHarrison]

Lots of great jazz players and improvisers didn’t know anything about theory. But I agree, for most of us mortals, understanding this stuff can be incredibly useful. Cheers!

[@shinymetalvids]

Fantastic, I’ve studied a lot of music theory from videos and books, yet you always have new insights to the whys and hows!

[@BradHarrison]

Excellent! Glad you enjoyed!

[@jesseserranoll39]

I feel like an IDIOT.. I have played for over 40 years (saxophones) and always played by ear. I have a pretty sharp technical mind and love math, but I felt like my head was going to EXPLODE listening to this! I have learned to read sax music decently in recent years (thought hard to process anything faster than 8th noted without playing along with the sound). I play with a lot of groups and when they tell me the key or ask what key I want to play a song in, I just have to say "don't confuse me with the key.. start playing and I will get it". I was given a circle of 5ths by a trumpet player who did her best to help me understand how I could use it, but it was not until this video that the light came on.. THANK YOU! I was able to grasp the concept... when someone announces the "Concert Key" (which I guess is what all "C" instruments play in, guitar, piano, bass, etc..) on my B Flat Saxes, I go clockwise 2 keys on the circle and on my E flat horns it's 3 clockwise. I cannot begin to express how that simple grappling hook on to the slippery, insurmountable monolith that is music theory makes me feel there is hope for the first time in my life! Of course, now I have to start learning my scales so I will know what being in the key of "B" (or whichever key) means for me. Also that fact that the "C" is always on top and Sharps or flats increase Clockwise or Counter is a revelation. For some reason I always conceptualized movement in the circle. Perhaps I shouldn't reveal my ignorance so publicly, but I may not be the only one that has been helped in such a dramatic (for me) manner. I will definitely be watching this more than once (though not today!) to increase my understanding. Thank you again. If you have a Patreon page or something similar I will gladly make a contribution!

[@JRNicholson27794]

This is an excellent video, thanks for staying focussed, explaining it simply and not branching into other areas of theory as others do!

[@andrewboland1062]

Even though I'm only playing guitar 5 months I feel like I've learned a couple of years knowledge (I'm learning the circle of fifths at the moment at my guitar lessons) I find it very interesting how you can mix the notes to create different chords

[@xRaid3n]

Best video I've seen on this yet!!

[@user-bj1eq8ie3q]

I enjoy how you make Music Theory so fun and insightful. Thank you so very much!

[@What-the-meow-meow]

Fantastic video, I'll be sure to share this with people who are interested in learning about the circle of 5ths!

[@gregjacyszyn8992]

Trying to explain the circle of fifths to my sister, and I wanted something that I connected well with. This was perfect…and you surpassed what I could have conveyed in the first few minutes. The connections with the dominant chords was great - but then you also showed (and played) the musical movement just one step in a different direction…then some examples of moving farther away…etc. really helped me connect the circle with what I hear in my head with key changes. Then you blew my mind with the chord diagrams! I’m a big visual aid guy - and those examples of the chord types and they’re counterparts was - well - eye opening to say the least! I learned a ton in theory classes through some amazing teachers…and sometimes another way of seeing things can really open things up! Thank you!

[@BradHarrison]

Thanks for the kind words! So glad you enjoyed!

[@c.m.1311]

Great video!!! Would have made such a difference for me when I was studying music in college a thousand years ago :) Such a helpful review as I dust off this corner of my brain. Thank you!!

[@robertomighty4562]

Excellent explanations using creative graphic representation and musical examples. Thanks so much for teaching and sharing!

[@gexenterthegecko252]

im just a high schooler trying to make stuff that sounds cool and i’m glad i found this you explained it all pretty well for my brain to understand

[@MightyMonk360]

Hey Brad, I found your channel today I’d like to think it’s fate everything you’re teaching on here is changing the lives of many aspiring musicians. I’d like to encourage you to keep posting more often. We need you on this journey.

[@BradHarrison]

Thanks for writing! The videos take a long time to make and it’s been a bonkers busy year. But I’ve got two more coming soon!

[@yaffamae483]

I really do hope KZbin is paying you well because what you taught us is invaluable. Thank you so much.

[@benriggan5267]

That as worth years of music class as a kid. So much that we don't get taught in school. Thanks for posting!

[@Pawl0solidus]

This is the best explanation of the circle of fifths I’ve ever seen!

[@ramonsaldana7417]

Like facets of a diamond, each new perspective reveals more of its beauty. Having played the mandolin (by ear) for about three years, I "discovered" the Circle of Fifths around age nine when I picked up a guitar for the first time and compared the two analytically. That curiosity made music theory and transposition a breeze as I played alto/bari sax and piano in my teenage years. Thanks for posting this awesome mini-lecture.

[@tedfelsberg5322]

Learned this years ago, but it seems so much clearer, now. Some of that is due to your excellent line upon line-presentation. Thanks, so much.

[@jeffbrehove2614]

This is my favorite lesson in Music theory. Literally everything the predicates it is based on patterns and math.

[@AlmostMonumental27]

Although I'm a natural musician, I have a mathematics handicap and theory has always made my head spin the same way calculus does. This is indeed helpful, but I need a remedial instructor as I seek to become a better improvisational jazz pianist. Thanks, Brad.

[@normadrodriguez1740]

Thank you so much for this perfectly succint description! my brain finally grasped the circle of 5ths & all it can be used for. wow! 🙏🏽😊

[@BuyoganExtendedStories]

I need a chart like this. This is very important to me as a musician.

[@chengkahing0515]

This is some next level music theory lesson......Keep it up

[@brunorocha3718]

Congrats! Arguably the best explanation I found among many in KZbin

[@tomassantos2218]

Now this one did for me! Powerful stuff!

[@lastdaysguitar]

This is a wonderful explanation of the circle of fifths - the only thing I would have elaborated was that the circle can also be used as a key for modal playing. For example if I want to play all the major modes of C if I travel 6 steps to the left (F, Bb, Eb, Ab, C#/Db) and one step to the right from C (G) I have identified each of the major scales that all use the note of C - these scales contain the notes for all the major modes of C, i.e.: F major scale notes using C root = C Mixolydian; Bb major scale notes using C root = C Dorian; etc. and the same idea/key can be used for other types of interval scales such as harmonic minor, and others.

[@M0odez]

The pattern is actually much more than just this; the order in which the diatonic modes (I believe this is what you meant by "major modes") appear actually moves from the brightest (Lydian) to the darkest (Locrian). If you take the 7 notes going round clockwise from C (C, G, D, A, B, F#), you have the lydian which is the brightest diatonic mode. If you move this selection set one step round anticlockwise, the F# becomes an F and you have C Ionian (or C major) which is the second brightest mode. If you do this again, the B becomes Bb and you have notes of the C mixolydian scale, which again is less bright than Ionian. The full order is: Brightest C Lydian: C, G, D, A, E, B, F# C Ionian (major): F, C, G, D, A, E, B C Mixolydian: Bb, F, C, G, D, A, E C Dorian: Eb, Bb, F, C, G, D, A C Aeolian (minor): Ab, Eb, Bb, F, C, G, D C Phrygian: Db, Ab, Eb, Bb, F, C, G C Locrian: Gb, Db, Ab, Eb, Bb, F, C Darkest

[@lastdaysguitar]

@@M0odez yeah, that's just another perspective of what I said. I've never been a fan of the "Brightest" and "Darker" explanation of the modes - as the feel and flexibility of them goes much deeper than that.

[@M0odez]

@@lastdaysguitar I was trying to rephrase it in a way that helps derive the modes in a more natural ordering - I got really confused by your derivation and I think relying on all major scales to derive modes is one of the fundamental causes of confusion around modes (common questions arise like "if it's just F major starting on C, how is it different to F major?"). Even if you find the words darker/brighter too narrow, it's hard to deny that overall they do a decent job of describing the way modes are overhwelmingly applied, and as the terms are only describing the modes relative too each other, they are much better than terms like "dreamy" for Lydian, "Jazzy" for Dorian etc. This is why I love the pattern; not only does it make the modes easier to learn (you can read them off the circle of fifths, rather than needing to know all your major scales by heart) but it also gives you some basic guidance as to how to apply them. As with all music theory, it's just a guide on what might be best to try at any point. if you have a metal riff using Aeolian and it just isn't evil enough, swapping that 2 to a b2 to bring it into Phrygian is very likely to push the riff in the direction you want it.

[@ramonsaldana7417]

Thanks for your comment that started an enlightening discussion. Maybe that's why we call it "theory" instead of "law."

[@JamesJones-rx5mn]

You both explain it perfectly, this is how I think he should have taught it, because it adds the teaching of the modes

[@BreadLightPray_EWFMgtr]

🔵 thanks super great post ❕👍 i normally avoid music theory because i've found it a little bit difficult to catch onto (even though i am not bad mathematically) and been playing finger style steel string guitar above forty years now - but videos keep popping up about the importance of the circle of fifths - i'm determined to learn and apply some theory now that i've got the time ❕🐊 🐸🍀

[@darthkang_]

What a great summary, thank you ❤

[@thecatch6299]

I’m very relieved that I know most of this already, but very happy I found it so I can’t learn the rest! Thanks!

[@victorvelazquez9696]

Feels like I've been explained rocket science :v