Circle of Fifths Explained (For Guitar) - How to actually USE the Circle of 5ths guitar lesson

[@ShiftingDrifter]

Over FIVE decades I've asked formally educated musicians how to use a circle of fifths and nobody could explain it. Then I stumble onto a YT video that explains it all in-depth in 5 minutes!

[@WInston.Moctar]

Best explaination I've found. Ty

[@AliHDemir213]

Me too... best explenation

[@cmatte82]

Yes. I’ve never understood the circle of fifths until just now. Great job. Thanks.

[@sethwilliams43]

Agreed. This is a fantastic explanation. Wish I could’ve heard this years ago.

[@precisionbrown6829]

Unbelievable. I’ve started reading books about it that I just can’t finish

[@ironskater121]

You guys have no idea how many of these kinds of videos I've seen and there's literally NO ONE who made it this clear and concise.

[@AlexSeibel]

This is so real

[@thefakedoctorphil]

Made me dizzy too

[@snomad2248]

26 years of playing guitar, I've written more than 40 songs, and thanks to this video I've written a song where all the chords relate to each other on purpose.

[@abiadairobbi8791]

then how'd you come up with the song without knowing the theory? was it just try here and there, or you just naturally talented to find matching chord?

[@jacksonscarlett8107]

​@@abiadairobbi8791 musicality, lol. Playing "by ear"

[@0475cmoore]

I’ve been playing for 30+ years and this is the first time this had made sense to me. Thank you more than you know.

[@shaire99]

Thousands of musicians know the theory, but very few seem to be able to communicate it clearly and effectively. Brian does it so well in such a relaxed and clear manner that I'll just go ahead and declare him to be the most talented of guitar theory 'teachers' on KZbin. . . . . . Period.

[@johnmalcolm9980]

Even fewer write songs using more than three chords that are a section of it.

[@simonsmith2642]

I’m old I learned by ear and listening to vinyl records. No lessons. We were poor. I just learned stuff but never knew why or how or what it was. Now I want to know what I’ve been doing by ear all these years. This and other KZbin videos like this has been a huge help. Young musicians today, have a huge advantage over old dinosaurs like me. I wish the internet existed when I started. One thing KZbin videos can’t teach you is hard luck, and bad times, struggle and fight. That can only come from life. So I hope the young musicians with these amazing resources, don’t lose that piece of humanity and expression in music along the way. That’s my only fear, is they become academics of music, instead of… Musicians. If that makes sense. Thank you for explaining this. This will certainly speed up the process for me. Instead of hunting and pecking for what sounds right, I can get to it quicker. Saving valuable time.

[@Buckchuckster]

Simon I am with you! Wish I knew this when I was young!

[@X9001xFl0PPAx]

Well said! I don’t go a day without thinking about how lucky I am to have access to all these resources for free. It makes it so much more impressive when I hear some of my hero’s talk about being self taught when they didn’t have access to video like these. Can’t teach passion and soul in a KZbin video that’s something you need to cultivate

[@Rectitude4U]

Same.

[@Cjohn31]

KZbin is the only reason I play ,have been non stop for just over two years, I tried a couple times years ago and didn't get far but this time KZbin made it happen something I didn't have before

[@andytaylor6781]

Absolutely

[@asajames4546]

You are the only person on KZbin that made The Circle of 5ths make sense. Thank You!!!!!!

[@CookeriNDEED]

This is true genius. So many people make these concepts sound so complicated, but you have simplified it. Well done!

[@meinbherpieg4723]

So many teachers don't really understand their subject, evidenced by their inability to clearly explain their thoughts.

[@thergstar2577]

It’s like finding the code to the secret language of guitar song composition! No one’s ever explained it so simply and efficiently. Thank You!

[@rexrbennettjr]

10 years of lessons from a Berklee/LA Music Grad and NEVER has this been so clear. Thank you!

[@neilhamer8725]

Suddenly someone comes along who explains something perfectly. SIr, I thank you

[@tomasz3122]

I'm still watching (4 minutes in), but I'm blown away. The amount of compassion and understanding you have towards self-taught musicians is great. Most other courses are just "oh whatever, read this 500 pages book and you'll know your stuff by the end of it and if not, download my super cryptic cheat sheet".

[@fawkesandhound]

In 3 minutes the man’s just bypassed an entire semester of music theory. Thank you.

[@sergedenovo2389]

If you couldn’t get it in a semester, why would you think that you can grasp it in 3 minutes? 😆

[@enknot]

RIGHT!?

[@spanqueluv9er]

No he hasn’t.🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤡🤡

[@kilgoretrout321]

This is more like a few weeks of a music theory class.

[@alekjwrgnwekfgn]

College is a waste of money. Nice way to be crippled by debt.

[@val_ist]

Hats off. This is by large the most comprehensive tutorial on circle of fifths!

[@ericshivvers1789]

Been noodling on guitar for 20 years and I found this tonight when looking something else up on KZbin. Brilliant explanation.

[@aretejamodi]

The best explanation of the circle of fifths I've ever heard along with how to practically use it. Thanks!

[@gabrielheunes4391]

I agree thanks straight up

[@HanValen]

Agreed - wow great lesson. Thank You

[@skippycameron9207]

Absolutely great explanation!

[@joshnic6639]

Yeah but what if I’m in the key of E? Where’s the 4 and where’s the 5? The left of E is B or is it A?

[@joshnic6639]

Never Mind. DON’T look at it as a piece of pie, just go back one and that’s your 4

[@stevepughlandman]

Brian you are producing videos at a really rapid clip, without sacrificing quality. I really admire what you’re doing.

[@ronhatcher7734]

his videos are really top notch. what a great teacher he is.

[@michaelfox2738]

Thank you, Brian. More lightbulbs per minute per video than anyone else on the internet!

[@ronhatcher7734]

I agree.

[@acousticmonkey2209]

Seconded. So many things are starting to come together each time I watch.

[@alanfisher1113]

I have to agree with you too Brian is an outstanding guitar player and teacher, one of the very best on you tube and I think I've saw most teachers on there by now, its hard to find anyone comparison which makes him better but he has it ,definitely !

[@epiphone278]

Same for me Michael, lightbulb went off! This is huge!

[@AtofSwitzerland]

Thanks a lot, the first video that really helped me with the topic, great!

[@Spectravisionse]

I am from Europe, been on mother earth for a tad bit more than swenty years now, Starting of when I was 10 years old building my own guitar that had fishing line for strings and a stolen earpiece from a telephone boot connected to an old radio with aux input. We played Beatle songs. Further up the road we got more serious. I ended up with around 25 instruments, including a Les Paul from 1958. We were into Al DiMeola, John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucia et al: fusion music. But I never had a proper musical education. I really, really wish I had known Circle of Fifths explained to me by Mr ActiveMelody! This was incredible. One thousand thanks. I have to subscribe!

[@sleekheaded]

62 yrs old. Stsrted music theory when I was 18. This is the clearest I've ever had it explained. Like some one said earlier, 'I wish we had the internet back then'.

[@peterheroux8239]

I’ve been playing guitar for 45 years and I learned more in this short video than in my whole life! Thank you so much dude! I’m going on a World Wide tour shortly!

[@ImprovforGodsglory]

In the 80’s, I spent two years as a music major and never got this. Brilliant. (I was too busy smoking pot and jamming to a jazz station. At 70, through the grace of God. I have a good ear and a thirst for “useful” theory. Again, through the grace of God, I got sober in 1986 ;-)

[@augenbutter]

It's good to be tuned in on life, without shackles.

[@chrishudson4940]

Smokin pot is better when ur older lmao, oops sorry just saw you were sober since 86 congrats.

[@mikeking453]

Bummer

[@dallasokelly2951]

I knew you were sober from the first time you said "thru the grace of God"

[@MatthewLancaster1981]

So awesome Rick. Keep up the hard work. Glad you're still rocking out.

[@coreymihailiuk5189]

I have been playing guitar since dinosaurs roamed the earth and that was hands down the best explanation of the circle of fifths that I have ever heard. Well done!

[@drkmriggs]

My sentiments exactly. Can’t believe how simple and practical he made it!

[@bfiume]

Ditto

[@JerAtoZ]

Same here. After half a century of thinking WTF! Marvellous.

[@seanc.5310]

This guy is the best youtube guitar teacher I've found.

[@toddinrancho290]

nice to hear from a fellow dinosaur...there's always new stuff to learn, or new ways to look at old stuff

[@rockfordprowashinc2877]

I've been casually playing for 20 years. For the last couple of years, I have been pushing myself to master the instrument. I've even been taking theory from a person with a master's in guitar theory. Ever so often I have these light bulb moments and they are very encouraging. I had a few during this this video. I especially liked the part that explained locating the dominant chord. I will definitely be joining a premium membership. Thank you! -Chris

[@David-xp4hk]

This is without a doubt the best lesson on Circle of Fifths! I had years without understanding and this man helped me understand it in a matter of minutes! Thank you so much!

[@jkmsr3869]

He is so good and educated on this,” learned a lot from this guy and channel..

[@godbyone]

Yes

[@gordonhardie9428]

After years of trying to get my head around this... 15 minutes, and it's crystal clear... thanks!!!

[@brooke-lynnweaver2343]

I was in band for 5 years and never understood the circle of fifths, and in a 15 minute video I figured it out. What an amazing teacher.

[@ianjamieson3985]

You are without parallel. The absolute best teacher on KZbin. You explain things absolutely clearly and in a way that's easy to understand. You're also concise and completely without waffle. Many thanks.

[@Hoosinner]

You don’t understand how so much helpful this was to me. Thank you. I’m only a year into guitar and I took lessons, and everything and it wasn’t shown the way it was like this to me thank you so much. You’re such a life saver and I can’t wait to now apply this to my playing.

[@KennyGuyte]

Best Circle of 5ths demonstration thus far. Conveyed well and easy to store in long term memory.

[@doodle_pug]

I knew everything that he was saying about the circle at the beginning but the last bit about the secondary dominant chord really changed the game for me. I always wanted to know how people knew which 7 chords work well with chords in the circle. I thought it was probably just some jazz thing that I will never figure out but this changes things! Thanks so much :)

[@aquadime333]

I've been playing off and on for 30 yrs and this is the best explanation I've heard. Thank you!

[@Uuuuutuuuube]

After 50 years of playing I finally understand it! It’s what you learn, intuitively, after playing for 50 years, written out. Great job

[@DrGray-qh6ow]

Wow. You just taught me so much! 30 years of playing, and I had no idea about any of this. So useful. I'm grateful 🙏

[@daedalusjones4228]

Same here.

[@EduarFilms]

I've been playing for over 20 and just got my mind blown 😅 I've always only followed guitar tabs from songs I like but never understood how they find chords to sound good together until now

[@vikingslayer34]

I've waited 20 years for someone to explain this to me. Thank you so much sir. You have one more subscriber.

[@Azarie03]

The circle of fifths has always been something that confused the hell out of me, even after exhaustive research over the years. Today I found clarity. Thank you, Sir.

[@nickm8651]

You're one of the only person that has explained the circle of fiths to be spot on and meaningful. I don't know why it's so hard for others not to be able to explain it properly. This all makes real sense and simplifies things for guitars.

[@seanhayward8143]

I haven't played guitar in almost 15 years, just getting back into it. Self-taught when i was a kid, never learned theory. This video was a MASSIVE help. Hugely informative. Thank you for this

[@GuitarJoLa]

WOW, Brian! This is the first time I heard you say "Circle of 5ths"! Great introductory explanation, you made it crystal clear in just under 15 minutes! Love the charts, the homework and all the extra stuff! What a fantabulous teacher you are! 💖

[@akfisher7138]

Are you a premium member? Don't mean to be nosey, but wondered if you find it useful? Just a bit concerned that that there is an overwhelming amount of info, and not sure if there is a structure to follow. I can play a bit, but don't have a lit of time so don't want to waste time. these free videoes are gold

[@rajennaidoo7]

I am profoundly grateful to you for all that you so selflessly share. Unlike so many 'click-bait' videos. I can now intuitively sense these clips and immediately delete them. Now that you so brilliantly explained the circle of fifths, I am going to put up a 'blown up' version on my wall.

[@brianjohnson217]

Thank you Brian , out of all the tutorials out there regarding the circle of 5ths . Yours is by far the clearest and easiest to understand

[@ronhatcher7734]

dittos

[@nicholasmansbridge7795]

This is possibly the most useful music lesson I’ve ever received.

[@geef0813]

All these years the circle of 5ths has been a mystery to me. You’ve broken it down perfectly. I have a solid understanding now. Thank you. Probably going to join your paid program now. Thanks.

[@RANDOG1951]

I've downloaded the circle. One instructor speaks about moving right 5 steps, another speaks about the circle of 4ths to the left. Your video makes more sense to me than the others. I enjoy the style of your teaching. Best $89.00 investment on guitar education to date. Good job sir.

[@3cardmonty602]

I FINALLY learned the Circle of Fifths more thoroughly than ever before. Even from my original guitar teacher - who happened to be a studio musician in LA during the 1980’s.

[@ronhatcher7734]

me too, finally after all these years

[@solarwave]

When I started lessons as a teen, I had a teacher introduce the COF at my third lesson. I quit and found someone to teach me Johnny B. Goode. This video makes me realize I have a lot to learn about song writing.

[@DirtyFingers66]

I have seen dozens of videos on the Circle and just left confused. This video shows how complex theory can be very simple when explained properly. Thanks for the video. It now makes so much sense! 🤘

[@stevenfogamomi520]

This is literally the best explanation of Circle of Fifths. I've been playing for more than a decade and only understand it after this. THANK YOU!

[@MrRFasters]

F man. After 20 yrs of guitar playing, that circle of fifths actually makes sense when jamming, improvising and thinking of fitting chords ... And now I need one ... Thanks man!!

[@johnm8693]

I can't believe how straight forward this explanation is. I've been scouring YT for years trying to find this one. Most theory people get very academic about this topic, like they're proving a geometry theorem...why couldn't they just say _this_ right here? Thank you!

[@spanqueluv9er]

🙄🤦‍♂️🤡

[@JoelBryant1960]

I have been struggling for ages to find real meaning for using the circle of fifths in my guitar songwriting. THIS is the video that finally has lit a bulb in my head and I now want to learn more!. I've always been amazed at keyboard players that seem to know the structure better than me. Thank you for this video. I'm definitely a follower now.

[@vandelay24]

Brian, you are by far the best at breaking things down to usable simple explanations... Every video you make is littered with light bulb moments! Keep up the great work...

[@ryanwallace236]

Been playing for 30+ years. This is the most clear explanation of the circle of fifths I seen. I have a better understanding of it now.

[@Shifty_Spectre]

the part at 8:35 where you revealed that the minor chords were in the inner ring legit blew my mind. Definitely the most understandable explanation I've seen of the circle of fifths

[@jimfrost8263]

This video is amazing! More knowledge shared in 15 minutes than others share in a lifetime. Simple, straight to the point, and super helpful!

[@iunknown563]

This is by far the best YT class about the circle of 5th for guitar! Million thanks 🙏

[@ChanRedfield]

Awesome, finally something that explains the why for guitar players and mentions borrowed chords, I’ve gone through a lot of vids this was the best. Nice work!

[@justabill5780]

Been playing guitar for 35+ years and this is the FIRST time someone has explained the Circle of 5ths in a way that I actually understand it! And everyone else I've asked has been a music/guitar teacher with a degree in music theory and/or composition. Thank you!

[@ed-gwynn]

I've been playing guitar on and off (mostly off, unfortunately) for 45 years. Last year I bought my dream guitar and I want to get playing again, consistently. This video gives me hope. Thank you ActiveMelody!!

[@monkeyfunky157]

What is your dream guitar

[@rlynch1980]

I’ve played guitar for over 20 years. I’ve studied music theory and composition in High School, University, and taken many lessons with many teachers. That was the most useful explanation of the circle of 5ths I have ever seen. I never saw those connections before. Mind blown. 🤯

[@bddmhopp5]

42 years playing guitar, first I’ve ever heard it explained this way. Nice job.

[@willabestorms6059]

42 years…… Me too….

[@johnq4118]

Brian - I've been playing for the better part of 20 years (home amateur), having taken lessons a long time ago. This video has explained more about the circle of fifths and how to use it, than ALL I've researched in those 20 years, combined. Well done, and THANK YOU! Always looking forward to the next lesson!

[@danimiura6866]

Most music teachers don’t actually want to teach. They want to string you along in order to continue making money from monthly payments.

[@josephrichardson4678]

Thinking about it now and you may be right.

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

God bless this man. Self taught guitar hack writing this and this man explained the whole concept AND how to “resolve” chords as well the relative minor better than anybody I have spoken with in 40 years. Checking out his channel now…

[@rileyclay213]

Been playing for 1 year - countless circle of 5th videos…… this is by far the best video, hands down.

[@MelodyVillaMusic]

This is critical to me, as I play both fretted and non-fretted instruments. I got rusty in my understanding and this video helped. Thank you for explaining this in laymen's terms!❤❤❤

[@jeffro.]

Man, that's the best description of the Circle of Fifths I've ever heard, and certainly the most useful! (And I've heard a few.) Everything in this vid is practical, helpful. Thank you!

[@ronday4210]

Finally someone that’s makes it really clear👏🏽

[@davidr8650]

Excellent thanks Brian. I never knew where I could borrow a chord from I would blindly try anything. I now know. Active Melody is superb. I've said this few times now, if your not a premium member I would highly recommend it. Great content, affordable, so many lessons, monthly challenges, friendly community. Honestly you won't regret it.

[@helethead]

How did he decide what borrowed chord to use?

[@davidr8650]

Goto 11:20 of video. Brian's explains it there.

[@helethead]

@@davidr8650 so it’s just the minor. I thought it was more than just that. For some reason I can’t edit or delete my comments anymore? Thanks

[@davidr8650]

It's not just the Minor. In the key of G you can use the following as a borrowed chord. Gminor, Cminor, Dminor, Eb, Bb, F.

[@Tim1967-o7j]

You just kicked down a wall for me in 20 minutes. I have been asked if I knew the circle of fifths. I didn't. And they left me with that answer. Guardian that knowledge like it was gold. And it is. But now I possess it too. Thank you so much. You are golden. And a bulldozer for my walls.

[@dawin6710]

You are the God of guitar and guitar teaching. You could give me complex the way you know this thing inside and out, but you don't because I really like your down to earth style of teaching. True that out of every one of your lessons I learn a lot, I swear I was a pretty good guitarist before I met you and thought I knew guitar. I realize that's not the case, but thinking well, what the heck. there is Brian so all is fine.

[@womenandwheels]

Definitely the best explanation I've heard. The real-world examples bring it to life and make it so easy to remember! Genius...

[@charlieriffs478]

Sir, I can finally understand how to use the circle of fifths thanks to you! You explained it simply and clearly! By far the best lesson on KZbin

[@lucamura8362]

And after watching dozens of videos on this topic , i have found the Holy Grail . Thank you thousands of times for this. Among the best 15 minutes of my entire life 😀

[@JerAtoZ]

Simply the best theory tutorial I've seen on YT, or anywhere for that matter. Brilliant! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@Ross_From_Synthetica]

Wow, thanks for unlocking the circle of 5ths! This is by far the best explanation of it I’ve ever seen.

[@Lethonomi4]

By far, the best video explanation of the circle for guitarist!

[@fuzzybrain8274]

Seriously impressive. I have been playing guitar for forty years.NOW I get it. Excellent work, sir.

[@officialWWM]

Lol, me too!

[@ajrosales047]

Very well presented. I don't usually use this. I just rely on the scale and remember the minors are the Dorian, Phrygian and Aeolian, with the majors Ionian, Lydian and Mixolydian. While the diminished is the Locrian. Although I prefer a brighter sound of a slash chord for the Locrian than a diminished. Thank you for this though, well appreciated!

[@mchammerabi]

This was a brilliant lesson. Finally understand the circle of fifths for chords and also for finding the scales/modes...thank you so much!

[@susanodell5088]

Am not a musician but went in to medicine instead. To "self-teach" oneself is pretty difficult but more so confusing. This explained a lot to me. One of my favorite songs is "halleleuhay"; I now understand the words....."the minor fall and the major lift". Sure it's elementary to experienced musicians but to those who rely on "self-teaching", it was illuminating. Thanks so much for your post.

[@tanatornfable]

You are really the best. I have had four guitar teachers, but none of them has told me about this circle. I wish we had a teacher like you in my country. Thank you from Thailand :)

[@adambickford2406]

This is a game changer. Thank you for explaining this for guitarists. So bloody helpful! I'm so inspired to write now

[@briang5586]

Thanks Brian. So clear as ever. That grouping of the go-to chords in the key - inner and outer rings, was very neat and so simple. I've never seen that before. So helpful.

[@larryd7196]

I would add one thing. After you get your 3 Major chords on top, and your 3 minors on bottom, (ex- F,C,G - d,a,e,) 4,1,5 - 2,6,3 . The next one on the minor circle is the 7, or diminished chord. the B minor diminished

[@xtheory]

This explains the composition of almost every Beatles or Oasis song I’ve ever heard. Thank you!

[@wyndes]

How so?

[@wretch1]

Composition yes, but nothing to do with actually playing music.

[@superstocker6574]

Bravo!! Finally, someone who can explain the circle of fifths in a simple understandable fashion. I must have watched a dozen other KZbinrs try to explain this.

[@steveavant9727]

I’ve looked at numerous videos and read explanations of the circle of fifths and none made sense. This immediately turned on the light bulb! Thanks for a brilliant explanation!

[@gregmullins6927]

The circle of 5ths has always been a puzzle for me,thanks for clearly describing it and making it useful.

[@firstact116]

Oh my goodness! This was just the lesson I was looking for. You totally demystified the process. Thank you!

[@1ddsung1]

Brilliant lesson and thank you for making it simple and easy to understand in a practical way!

[@ashleyozmond]

Finally… a great video that explains well for the guitar players. Excellent resource. Thanks for sharing it. 🙏🏽

[@techethicyt]

YEARS of books and videos trying to figure this out. Finally an explanation that makes complete sense. Signing up for a month of premium immediately. Thank you 🙏

[@BLuRZzHDGaming]

I rarely comment on things, you’ve made this so easy for me thank you

[@riffdigger2133]

Leslie West was playing in Mountain with bassist, arranger Felix Pappalardi when Felix asked Leslie to do a solo for a song in the key of A. So Leslie started some bluesy lines, pentatonic scale as per usual. Felix interrupted and said, “No, no man- solo in F#m, the relative minor (for the Key of A). Leslie did so and it sounded really good. That night Leslie went home and wrote out all the relative minors for each key. He told this a few years back. Theory goes a long way if someone lets us in on, the practical purpose. And Brian does exactly that.

[@buzzfinger9509]

This finally made me know how to use the circle of fifths, so thank you for this. P.S. I think I've now gone overboard with using secondary dominants in my chord progressions.

[@johncruz7895]

I know exactly what you mean.

[@jameswarren7133]

Has any one "discovered" the Chord wheel by Jim Fleser? It is a Hal Leonard production. About 15$ and well worth it....Just sayin.

[@robertmessina6962]

Absolutely have LEARNED MUSIC from you! Please don't stop these incredible videos 🙏

[@porkchopsrv]

A student of mine recommended this video to watch. I appreciate the practical approach in using the circle of fifths. I learned quite a bit. I'll watch this video a few more times to nail it. Thanks for your expertise and teaching style.

[@adriancodrea2684]

If Brian was a historian he would be able to summarize the world history in 10 minutes flat

[@troykane]

or 10 minutes sharp

[@Stefano_Rodriguez]

@@troykane badum tis!

[@DanielPerez-xx5vg]

@@troykane 10 minutes flat is 9 minutes sharp, pay attention

[@JerAtoZ]

It takes a genius to explain stuff that has baffled people like us. Brian is a genius. Simple as that.

[@upityjoe]

You can't summarize world history in 10 minutes nor the circle of 5ths in 15. He started out great with the easy stuff and just rammed everything together from the mid point on. Not a good explanation at all.

[@kingrobert1st]

The quickest way to find A flat minor is to throw a grand piano down a mine shaft! (better not be a relative).

[@kylekyl8546]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[@munchiemuncherton1969]

you are a legend

[@distractedgarage1801]

Thank you , another ah ha moment

[@mksounds6326]

35-year player and songwriter and, as others have said, I've never found a useful explanation of the Circle of Fifths. Until tonight. Thank you!

[@PeteTaylorRealtor]

I agree Kirk. Four years of college, and this is the best explanation on the circle of fifths. Thank you,