Circle Of Fifths For Bass (How To Learn & USE!)

[@Harlembrown]

So I've looked at the Circle of Fifths and Fourths numerous times, and it has literally just clicked for me as a bass player. Believe it or not, one of the key moments for me was when Dan pointed and showed on the fretboard finding the 5th of C on the major scale, one to the right and two up two notes. Lightbulb moment. Also, finding the relative minor by simply knowing the 6th not of the Major scale. Yet another lightbulb moment. Eventually, all of the bulbs in my bass playing chandelier will be lit, but Dan is making the journey a lot shorter and more enjoyable. :)

[@OnlineBassCourses]

I love that chandelier idea! Keep up the work and those lightbulbs will keep going off.

[@brynyowannatkinson2915]

Ding...the sound of the penny dropping in my head. Pop...the sound of the lightbulb going on in my head also!! I’ve been teaching myself for a few weeks now how to read music. A few days ago, in my two books one book the triple clef, the other specifically for the bass. I came across the section “The Circle of 5ths and 4ths. Sharps and flats, I worked out that if the major scale had 5 sharps then the relative minor must have 2 flats as they’re diatonic so the notes in the scale must add up to seven. I may be wrong here, I have form on being incorrect on lots of things so anyone reading this please call it out. Well, so far so good, then the head scratching started. Put the books away and thought I may know someone who knows about this “Circle of Doom” scrolled through Dans videos and now I refer you back to the Ding and Pop moment at the start of this comment. Viewing Dans video and listening to the explanation about the “Circle” was truly an eye opening moment for me. All the theory and reading just all fell into place. Mr Hawkins you are truly a bassists guiding light.👍

[@Bassistjunior1230]

best explination of the circle of fifths I have ever heard

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🙏🙏

[@travisbartley58]

I first started out playing guitar,I have been gigging on bass for almost 25 years I still find my self using power chord shapes even though on bass I play one note at a time.

[@jakeski6488]

Best bass instructor I’ve ever had. Dude really understands how to explain.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🙏

[@EdwinvanderSmissen]

Hi Dan, you are just amzing how easy you can explain all for me. Thanks a lot!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks so much. Glad it helped!

[@daemonwhitebeard6590]

I have been playing Bass for thirty six years now. I have been beating my head against a wall for the last twenty five years trying to figure out The Circle of Fifths but to no avail. I need a Fifth just to deal with the resulting headache. I have been to every musician I know and have been all over the Net and STILL just don't understand it. To me, speaking only for myself, it IS a useless thing not worth knowing. If others are able to figure it out, well HAPPY BIRTHDAY. You know something I just don't get. I do appreciate the video, don't get me wrong. Stay safe. Stay healthy and god bless.😭

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Hi Daemon. I think, at this point, just forget it! Life will go on. 🤣 all the best and thanks for commenting. 👍🙏🙏

[@stephenhookings1985]

In Western music we have 8 notes on octave. The 4th and 5th are considered perfect - the sound OK to the trained ear. They are called perfect. It also happens that a 4th and a 5th is an octave. And a 5th and a 4th are an octave. So if you listen to Western music you will innately understand the 5th. If you play violin your strings are tuned in relative 5ths. For bass it is 4th (which also means if you play them in reverse they are in 5ths). Nothing to see - just something some cultures accept that is pleasing to hear.

[@shadowki1647]

I don't blame you based on the way he's explaining it. I wanna check out Mr. Brownstone or somebody. Sometimes when some people teach something they feel privileged and proud that they already know so they sort of "skim" over and jive through the instruction. Also, this guy's accent is some arrogant sounding 💩!

[@chucke9492]

​@shadowki1647 Dan is one of the top bass players I know on youtube.ive learned more in 2 months from him,than I learned in a few years,back when I used play years ago.he is not arrogant at all.ive never felt that 1 time and I've watched alot of his videos. you have to put in the work to understand this stuff and keep watching and playing. I mean,come on,what do want him to do,show up at your house and give you a personal lesson?Dan,as well as some of the others teaching on here are great,and I'm very thankful for these guys.give people a chance and do your part.

[@shadowki1647]

@@chucke9492 I appreciate Dan's bass instruction and he is a far more experienced player than myself, but I have heard, read and seen more comprehensive explanations of the circle of fifths. 🙂

[@MelonPlaysBass]

This is actually an insane level of knowledge for me. Wish every bass teacher could teach it this way

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🙏

[@AvvieLanche]

OMG FINALLY SOMEONE WHO MADE IT UNDERSTANDABLE FOR ME!! 34 years of staring at drawings and hearing people drone rote memorization never worked. That's not how I learn!! Thank you!!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

That's cool - glad I could help!

[@jadenoram2851]

This was amazing. One of the best bass teaching lessons ive seen. Not only for the circle of fiths, but just how you explain everything and the way you teach is very effective.🙏🏽

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks very much. Glad you got something from it.

[@fernandopuertollano7090]

Fantastic class, Dan. After watching other bass channels, I'm hooked on yours. Very very helpful. Also great info in the comments

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Fernando!

[@joez4246]

for the first time i fully understand how this works! thx so much！！

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Brilliant. My pleasure!

[@julianflorez8182]

the best channel for bassist on youtube

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Many thanks.

[@timroy1535]

Finally Christmas Gave Dad An Electric Bass........love your stuff Dan! Thank you.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

That’s a good one! Thanks, Tim. 👍🙏

[@PushSueAside]

I’ve been playing guitar since 83, and switched to bass in 2019, and today I finally wrapped my head around ‘relative minor”. I know that’s pretty sad, but still... thank you Dan. You help a lot. Cheers

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Not sad at all. Amazing that you’re still learning - keep it up!!

[@PushSueAside]

@@OnlineBassCourses thank you. Will do

[@EsotericEclectic]

That is the best explanation of the circle of fifths I've heard. I really needed to understand it better than I have. And I wanted to know how I can understand it as a bass player. This really did it for me. Thanks for making this video. I will look for the PDF.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Glad it’s sinking in!

[@keithburnett-i7f]

The Circle of 5ths should be called The Circle of Intervals...because it’s all there. I have ignored it for years until a lightbulb went on during a ‘Music Theory Binge Study’ during crazy lockdown...what a fantastic tool it is!! 🤩

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Yeah it’s amazing!

[@richalfieri6627]

Best way to understand this tool. Thanks

[@flatwoundfisker]

Excellent lesson! I have been struggling with this for awhile. Thank you!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Great. It's not too bad once it clicks!

[@johnfollis2357]

This is a cool lesson. This is something I have heard about and messed around with myself. I feel like the Circle of 4ths is more common than the Circle of 5ths. And I think it is because the Circle of 4ths tends to resonate with the ear a bit easier than the Circle of 5ths. And so the Circle of 5ths seems a bit floppy but with time and practice, you can start to adjust too it.

[@stephenhookings1985]

It is how you bass is tuned (a 4th is 5 frets). A violin is in the 5ths (7 frets it it had any). 4th + 5th = 5 + 7 = octave. 5ths is 4ths in reverse. If you really want to make it easy to visualize circle of 4th AND get to learn your fretboard - us a 5 string (I made a video on my channel but I figure there are better ways to show it). Start on low B. Move up a string E. Keep going B E A D G. Now move back the bottom string and up a fret and keep moving along a string until you run out B# = C C F Bb Eb Ab [[notice we moved to B E A but flat ... we run out of strings. Go back to low string next fret]] C# = Db ... but see how this is natural consequence of B E A D pattern - except we were flat Db Gb Cb = B [notice we are at octave and now pattern repeating] So on a 5 string the circle of 4ths is equivalent to starting anywhere, moving up to next string same fret. When you run out go back to bottom string and move around one You have not mapped out the fretboard. Soon the relative position of the notes should become clear.

[@pierrediesel]

good job and you making awesome job congretilation

[@JazzBassFunk]

Another great lesson Sir.... you are a natural teacher and your enthusiasm is infectious. Could you possibly cover chart reading or maybe the Nashville Number System?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Very kind - I absolutely love bass as I'm sure you do too...! Yes, good idea.

[@donh5794]

Thanks Dan for making this great video. I anticipated it a while ago when you thought about doing a Circle of Fifths video. I understand the Circle of Fifths much better the way you explained and demonstrated.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

That's great - glad it makes a little more sense now... Thanks for watching.

[@willieb6993]

Another great lesson! Thanks.

[@nickbudd4535]

Hi Dan, I've seen the same topic described in several videos and books. You make it very accesible in a way that they don't. I'm looking to move beyond mere theory to the use of this information, and that is where your teaching is really helpful. I find already that I don't feel so restricted on the bass. Thank you

[@OnlineBassCourses]

This is such a great comment to read: thanks! The application of this kind of material is what it's really all about so I'm happy you're able to use the information. Keep learning and using it...

[@stickpeople]

I got so much out of this - thanks Dan

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Great to hear!

[@lornablake3423]

Thank you so much!

[@abigailphilips825]

Fabulous Dan, that made things really clear, thank you!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🙏 glad to hear that, Abigail!

[@Bassic778]

Excellent!!! You are such a great instructor!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🙏

[@tjstevens001]

Thanks for getting me going again. Do you also play the guitar?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Yes, a little but haven’t played for quite a while…

[@davidbrown6415]

Excellent! Thank you :)

[@bouncingswordsful]

Great lesson as always Dan

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks Matt.

[@tjstevens001]

Good stuff, hopefully this will help me!

[@0711RC]

Love how you explain it! Thanks Dan.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Cheers!

[@timtaylorguitarnut]

If your a beginner learn this as soon as you can! If you're not beginner and don't know this learn it, life is easier

[@PushSueAside]

I love this lesson. You have such a brilliant way in teaching, I always feel like I understand easier when YOU explain it. This lesson isn’t new to me, but this is the first time it made sense. It’s kind of like this, I’m dyslexic, and have never read a book, but listen to audiobooks all the time, I find if the reader has a certain voice or cadence or whatever, I can really get into the book and others, just sound like someone talking. Does that make sense? Anyway, thank you for another brilliant lesson. Cheers Dan.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

That's really interesting, Tommy. I probably send other people to sleep but glad it works for you!

[@PushSueAside]

@@OnlineBassCourses Cheers

[@Harlembrown]

I'm not dyslexic, but agree all the way. Dan has a natural tone and voice cadence that puts me at ease. That's quite a gift for anyone who teaches.

[@mattgwardesq]

Amazing as usual.... and centered around bass! What more could I ask for!? Thank you so much.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Matt!

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Excellent 👍👍🎸🎸

[@silasarney9775]

this helped me alot thank you you make amazing videos

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Silas. 🙏👍

[@beckym8245]

Great lesson. Thanks.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Becky.

[@Sjohn28]

This is an amazing lesson! Wow! Thanks so much! What's the model of that ibanez? Too cool!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

My pleasure - thanks! 1982 Ibanez Roadster with DiMarzio DP126 pickups

[@smithjohn383]

Based on this video I made up a mnemonic for relative keys. Never seen this way anywhere and I hope it is accurate. And if it is, it probably is common knowledge already. Anyway... All you need is to think the third of a minor chord. Easy enough. If I'm in a key of C major, I ask: C is the third of what minor chord. Answer: A. And the other way around, if I'm in a key of A minor what is the third of it ? Answer: C. Logic and trying out a few times says this works with every key.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Correct. This is exactly the way I find the major from the minor. Good job!

[@anibalibrahim2963]

Thanks!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thank you very much!

[@jcksnjy]

Fantastic video!!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thank you very much!

[@brianwilliams1588]

Whenever I see a video talking about accidentals, I am compelled to remind everyone of the "Musician's Theory of Relativity": E = Fb The curvest of curveballs in music!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

And B = Cb!

[@Domination93]

Before learning the circle of fifths what should I know or learn to make it easy when starting off?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Knowing a major scale inside out would help as would knowing what relative minor scales are. Plus know the notes on your fretboard. I have lessons on all those things on my channel.

[@petermcguinness5281]

Now that should be interesting 🤔

[@elpez71]

Dan is there a way to see by sight in what key someone is playing or by ear Ive always wanted learn that concept?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Oh for perfect pitch... I've often looked at the hands of pianists or guitarists to figure out a key of a song randomly called out. It's worked out in conjunction with the ear ("is this major or minor"?). I think the best way is to train the ear in the different harmonies until you instantly just know what's happening. It's not that difficult once you dedicate time to learning the skill.

[@ChigerG]

Following fudgesauce's comment, at 10:46, "Bass Explodes And Dan Gets Custom Fender!"

[@OnlineBassCourses]

This one's brilliant too! 👊

[@fudgesauce]

At 4:12, I'd think you'd prefer "Father Christmas Gave Dan An Electric Bass".

[@OnlineBassCourses]

NOW you're talking! 🤣👏

[@charlicampbell2701]

Thank you, this is great! Where do I download the PDF from?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Glad you like it! The link is in the description.

[@EdBocchino]

wonderful video, invaluable fundamental information - thank you!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Cheers, Ed!

[@lee_parker]

Thank you, but I have a question please. When you showed the triads, and harmonizing each note in the scale, it looked like you played all major triads. Why didn't you play minor triads for those minor notes in the scale?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Lee. Not sure which part of the video you’re referring to but I definitely wouldn’t have played all major triads. It might have looked like a major triad but it definitely wouldn’t have sounded like one (the ii iii vi are all minor).

[@no.2177]

Legend

[@lucapappalardo5574]

Very cool lesson! Is that the starting point of the basic course you mentioned some days ago?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks! Not really, no. I'll go into it deeper in my theory course and touch on it in the basic course. The basic one I've pretty much written and need to get round to filming. I'm keeping it as easy as possible with no unnecessary confusing things!

[@lucapappalardo5574]

@@OnlineBassCourses Well actually it seemed a little but intermediate that's why I was asking... Thanks a lot, I'm really excited to see those videos, I'm sure that even for topics I know ?ll grasp these little nuances you give, that will improve my knowledge of the bass 👍

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Hopefully! The truth is, whilst labels like 'beginner', and 'intermediate' are, without a doubt, useful, I hate them. It's possible to teach something 'difficult' in a way that a beginner can understand. If it's taught and demonstrated well, there's no problem. My course will provide a lot of relevant, usable knowledge I can guarantee that.

[@lucapappalardo5574]

@@OnlineBassCourses I think that this is why your teaching is different from the rest! Is exactly this approach that makes your channel stands up!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🙏 probably doesn't work for some but I'm glad you and others are getting something from the lessons!

[@bobc.5698]

This works with all the major scale patterns?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

You can find them all in there, yes.

[@TrashYacht]

I've been trying to understand this for so long and I still don't get. I guess where I'm disconnected is that you said it'll help you with loads of songs and understanding the fretboard. Im having a hard time grasping how that happens. I dont get what this does to help. And I'm not saying that it's useless because many great musicians use this. I just really and genuinely don't get it. I do the excercises, learn the fretboard, and then what? What does the circle of fifths do?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Songs are in different keys so if you use the circle to learn, say, E Major and where those notes are on the bass, and, for example, C Major, then you’ll know where the notes are for songs in that key. That’s not really the circle as such, but it’s knowing scales and shapes and harmony (which the circle also helps you with). Once you know the key signature of a particular scale, you can then work on learning the location of all those notes on the fretboard. With a lot of practice, it becomes effortless to find notes in any key on your bass. It’s not JUST the circle that allows that (you have to work on finding and knowing the notes) but it can help in that area.

[@TrashYacht]

Thanks for responding, I've been struggling with this for so long and it feels like the magic pill thats going to elevate my playing. I've been playing for the past 4 years and I want to get better. There's a lot of technique and skills I've been improving in. It feels like fifths is one of those things thats going to help me leaps and bounds on a fundamental level. Hopefully it'll click at some point, but every time I come back to this topic I get frustrated because I don't understand. But thank you again, I'm going to save your comment. From what your saying you learn fourths/ fifths and you know what scale to play? And that's what you mean by the key?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@TrashYacht Scale means key, yes. But don't worry about this. It's not the magic pill! Learn songs and techniques, work on your groove, play along to records, and work on improvising. The circle of 5ths is just a handy tool to learn, memorise, and conceptualise keys (scales). You might be placing too much importance on it. I'd recommend not to.

[@josephinecaruana3847]

❤❤amazing❤❤

[@arneberg9072]

This is so exploring, yes it's almost too exploring of my standard so I better put this is in a vault for better days to come ---

[@OnlineBassCourses]

You'll get it in time!

[@arneberg9072]

@@OnlineBassCourses ))) yea, there's so much in my bassmind tha have to be proccessed --

[@paulbamford8Ball]

Who decided that the bass would be tuned the way that it is? And, more importantly, why is it tuned the way that it is?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Good question Paul. It comes from Double bass orchestral tuning and I guess that comes from the pitch required, and construction parameters of that instrument. Seems to work for us electric players though!

[@eileenlander1380]

I thought a flat or sharp is only an accidental if it doesn’t belong in the key….f sharp in g major is not an accidental, it belongs so you get tone tone semitone tone tone tone semitone

[@OnlineBassCourses]

That is a good point. You can call white notes on the piano ‘natural’ and black notes ‘accidental’ so it’s force of habit for me.

[@Phaidrus]

I'm a bit confused. Is a key the same as a scale and a mode? So the Cmaj key / scale / mode is the exact same group of notes?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Sort of. A song can be in the key of C (major) meaning (broadly) that it uses the notes from C Major. C Ionian is exactly the same as C Major. So that mode, scale, and key are the same! There are seven modes that come from a major scale (see my lesson later today!).

[@Phaidrus]

@@OnlineBassCourses Will do! Thanks!

[@howardalexander6528]

Father Christmas Gave Dad An Electric Bass

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🤣🤣 how did I not see that one!??

[@matiasr4622]

christmas gets dad an electric BASS

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Missed the ‘Father’ at the beginning!

[@ronriddle2404]

The visual and hearing learners need more input please 🙏

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Hi Ron. Thanks for the input although I must admit that I’m not too sure how to give more input than I already do. For sure I’ll get people saying I talk too much! All I know is it’s tricky to please everyone but I’ll continue to try and do my best. Cheers. 🙏👍

[@toga5696]

Heres a question, what is the purpose of the circle of fifths

[@OnlineBassCourses]

There are a few purposes I guess, outlined in the lesson. 🙏👍

[@matthewpeloso2172]

I was a bass teacher but I can't find students now because of KZbin

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Sorry to hear that. In my experience, people are looking for in person bass teachers more than ever. I think KZbin is creating more and more bass players, many of whom want a local teacher. You may need to set up a website or Instagram or something but you can easily pick up loads of new students that way. Wishing you the best of luck.

[@GenX_US_Marine]

I still don't understand this, it's very very confusing

[@OnlineBassCourses]

If you’re new to it, it is very confusing!! If you have the time, I recommend watching the lesson again. You’ll understand it more and it will probably help you. 🙏

[@digikaininja5]

Dan, keep the intros short.....please

[@OnlineBassCourses]

They are pretty short. Thanks.

[@matthewpeloso2172]

Lydia doesn't have a forth.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Who’s Lydia?

[@elpez71]

👍

[@raymondgalindo408]

why can't you say do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, si ?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

I can. It’s easy!

[@itzzhunter.._]

completely lost me after the original father Christmas gave dad an electric blanket. that's all as far as I got. then bam uhmmmmmmm what did you say after that..........

[@OnlineBassCourses]

I’m not sure, Bobby, you’d have to keep watching…

[@michaelweiser6887]

Slow down, please.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

How about you press the x0.75 button? - instant slow down! You’re welcome… 🙏

[@fredalmgren7211]

Thanks!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks so much, Fred! 🙏🙏

[@auerx9596]

Thanks!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thank you!!