Circle Of Thirds (Music Theory EVERYONE Should Know)

Learn this before the cycle of fifths. Then watch this next to learn how to apply this lesson so you can know all the chords like Guitar George • This Is How Guitar Geo...
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[@rickysguitar]

If you got some value from this lesson hit the LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Watch this next to learn how to apply this lesson so you can know all the chords like Guitar George kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpakoYGwgLaUsNU

[@hilmarholland3986]

Thank you, I will do so... Actually I'm working on a strategy to understand 40s Swing Jazz Harmonies. It's extremely hard to understand all this stuff.

[@berendharmsen]

I loved this; but I also got confused. Isn't the 7th of the C7 a B-flat? Or am I misunderstanding something about the point of this trick?

[@jstnxprsn]

That is pretty amazing and simple. Thanks so much.

[@rickysguitar]

@@berendharmsen 7th chords only happen diatonically on chord V. In the key of C that would be G7 - R(G) 3(B) 5(D)b7(F). I'll be clarifying this in an upcoming video.

[@berendharmsen]

@@rickysguitar Thank you very much for the feedback. Been trying to study the concepts more structurally, but I still have this head full of half-understood ideas clashing with each other. I'll be following you; look forward to that video, as well as digging into your back catalog.

[@deanjohnson4564]

30 years buddy, 30 YEARS and I've never come across this or figured it out for myself. Always been so envious of folks that can rattle of the notes of any chord and now in 14 minutes and 38 seconds I can do it too. Thank you sir.

[@MOAB-UT]

same here

[@sharadsemilo]

This is just for the c scale. You'll have to make adjustments for other scales

[@Shawnibus]

@@sharadsemilo For those who are interested, Ricky's video "BUILDING CHORDS (Easy Music Theory You Probably Don't Know - The Cycle of thirds)" talks about adjusting for other keys.

[@nedim_guitar]

Same here, 20 something years since I was being taught the circle of fifths in highschool, but I never understood it or its applications until I more than ten years later. And I was still not sure about its applications. The circle of thirds however, is much more concrete and helpful! Now I need to check out the circle of fifths and see what the deal is. Not that I use much theory while playing, but still...

[@PulauSwan]

@@nedim_guitar hey joe is based on a circle of 5ths CGDAE

[@gazzie12000]

As a guitar teacher, I'm really impressed with how clear and easy this explanation makes it for beginners, or anyone wanting to start learning chord theory. Very well presented and explained!! it's always easy to say "just stack 3rds on top of each other", but using the "circle of thirds" diagram, and counting round, it is a great visual aid - and is simple to grasp straight away.

[@notyourpapa]

Your no nonsense way of teaching is amazing. We gather these little pieces of information all the time but you connect the dots and have it make sense. Thank you.

[@johnnycook8879]

This absolutely blew my mind. I've really been held back by how much I never learned the "science" behind it. For lack of a better word. I've only recently started digging into theory at 22 and still it pretty intimidating. But this just opend a door I never imagined I'd ever walk through. Thanks man. You're a legend. I never thought I'd know how to add a 7th off the top 0f my head

[@johnnyfrisco5354]

Count 7 from C if the chord is c major c d e f g a b c 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7th = b c e g b = cmaj7 need dm7? count 7 from d d e f g a b c 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 so c = the 7th d f a c = dm7 In the long term learning how to build a chord like this will serve you better and you'll develop a better understanding. Try g7 for yourself... count up 7 from g.........

[@jeffroberts6865]

The stacking of thirds is a key way chords are built. I think this is a good intro to that. However, now I am going to sound persnickety for a couple of reasons. The first might be obvious: the mnemonic only works for the key of C and we would need a circle of thirds diagram for each key we are working in. The second might be less obvious: the extended chords built using this method are not necessarily what people might think they are. For example that’s not C7, F7 or G7, but Cmaj7, Fmaj7 and Gmaj7. Similarly, it’s not C9, C11 or C13 but Cmaj9, Cmaj11 and Cmaj13. I think for a bit more completeness you could have covered that some of the intervals are major thirds (eg C-E, G-B) and some are minor thirds (eg E-G, B-D), because that difference is fundamental to scale and chord building. Also, perhaps mention there are chords that cannot be made by stacking thirds.

[@rickysguitar]

I can't do it all in 1 lesson Jeff. KZbin is not the same as the classroom. There will be a series of follow up videos tackling the many utilities the cycle of 3rds offers that answer those questions and no doubt raise other questions. Please bear in mind this video is for folks just starting out so let's just get folks to the point where they know it's all about 3s.

[@vernongunn3971]

Never bothered with theory! Too complicated! At least it was until I discovered Ricky's amazing videos! For the first time in 50yrs of playing guitar I am beginning to understand the mechanics of music and how it works with your videos. Great job Ricky!

[@ProgRockDan1]

I’m classically trained and understand circle of fifths. Never thought of the cycle of Thirds. Interesting presentation

[@hotoceanmusic7266]

The fact that you can teach this stuff so effectively to a dolt like me is truly a tribute to your brilliance as a teacher. Thank you!

[@kd2mill]

I was taught the line below "E" on the treble clef is always "C". The line above the "A" on the bass clef is always "C". Count down on the bass clef and up on the treble clef (lines AND spaces). It just follows the alphabet (A-G). No acronyms needed. The "Circle of Thirds" is a revelation, though. Good stuff.

[@phillewis7080]

Sometimes you come across something and think "Duh! That's so bleedin' obvious! Why didn't I realise it!". Ricky has a unique way of ferreting out (no Northern stereotyping intended) these things and communicating them in plain, straightforward language. Top man!!!

[@rickysguitar]

Not many people know this... I was actually a keeper of ferrets when I was a snip of a lad. Thank you for your kind words Phil :)

[@Havanacuba1985]

@@rickysguitar lovely animals

[@kathydieting4583]

Hello

[@mikehussey5682]

Probably the best guitar tutor for theory on KZbin. I've literally learnt so much from you. Thank you for taking the time out of your day, to share your knowledge. I for one, really appreciate it.

[@rickysguitar]

Wow, thanks Mike! A lofty comment indeed. There's so many great creators on KZbin. I appreciate the vote of confidence buddy :)

[@epiphone278]

Agree with Mike, Ricky your theory lessons are the best I’ve seen on KZbin, explained in a relatable easy to understand manner. I’ve learned so much from you in just the past week that I’ve found you on KZbin, Thank You!!

[@philodonoghue3062]

Rick Beato Master Classes (free on KZbin) on music theory are great too. Combined with this guy, you’ve got it covered

[@chilekwak.chilekwaii4960]

@@philodonoghue3062 There is greatness in the name RICK I suppose.

[@philodonoghue3062]

@@chilekwak.chilekwaii4960 Hmm. Unfortunately another shortened version of Richard is Dick. 🤣 This’ll probably be taken down the prudish KZbin censors but it “comes from a good place.” Why don’t parents think ahead when naming their baby boys? 🤨

[@nomorebushz]

My father taught at Yale school of music for Paul Hindemith classes as he was a student and he graduated in three years. I started playing Oboe when I was 10. But once I turn 21 I started play the 63 guitar and all dad taught me was “learn all your 5 7 chords. Major seven, minor7, Dominate7, half diminished seven, diminished seven. Once I play a chord I knew what every note represented as a tonic or a 3rd or a 5th or a seventh. Everything else is simply an extension which you have covered. Everything else is an alteration. Not many people learned the guitar theory like I did with an understanding of the quality of chords from the thousands of song book songs for piano, I learned to sight read music on guitar. Once I learned the guitar this way and thinking about playing Oboe in opera orchestra’s yes I did… It opened up my thoughts as an Oboist with harmony and theory. This was a good presentation. The next one might be covering the alterations, Especially to the dominant chords. Well done. Uh oh, you’ll have to explain the raised 11th on a maj7 chord :-)

[@rickysguitar]

Many thanks for your thoughtful comment. I always think scales only work because of the chords. they give the context behind the emotion we're trying to illicit in the music. Especially with improvisation! I'm looking forward to digging into extending this topic into as many areas as possible. I think the more perspectives you have the richer you're minds eye is when you're liberating the music from your instrument. I have a lesson planned on the #11 lol. Thanks for watching :)

[@Gor537]

Wow. I’ve been trying to understand more theory on guitar, working on memorizing triads, trying to use the circle of fifths, watched a video about how the circle of fourths was better, but this ring (circle, get it?) rules them all. Dead useful. And the mnemonic makes it easy to do in your head. Magic!

[@chrismakey866]

I feel so powerful now. With this next level chord game. Gonna bring Sauron to his knees. Also. Awesome edits.

[@rickysguitar]

I was going to reference Pokemon but hey LOTR will do! Haha! Thank you re the edits :)

[@thomasmartinscott]

An excellent tool and a great teaching method. ( C-E-G-B-D-F-A) I started on C because it was the 1st chord I learned, but it's the same order you have. That tells EVERY note in EVERY chord there is! Whatever chord you want to spell, simply start on that letter and count around to the letter that completes it. I.e. D-F-A-C-E is a Dm9 chord. etc. For sharps & flats add the sharps or flats that are in that key. The Letters stay the same. It also shows how chords lay on top of each other. A CM13 chord, C-E-G-B-D-F-A is a CM7 chord with a Dm on top of it. etc. (To be honest, I never thought of it as a cycle of 3rds. Now, thanks to you, I will. It actually simplifies the way I've been using this. And I NEVER knew how it fit into sheet music. I just play by ear, but you've given me something to look into) THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! PS. I just subscribed.

[@rickysguitar]

I’m so pleased you get it. Many haven’t and give me grief for sharing lol!

[@bethansheridan-jones5330]

Echoing the views that you Sir are my Hero! ❤ I haven't understood these patterns all my long life and you've gone and blasted a beautiful silver bullet that helps me grasp the core of chord theory! I can't thank you enough...

[@skintslots]

Good stuff Ricky. You expanded some simple stuff into slightly more complicated theory in an easy way. I happen to use mnemonics a lot in learning guitar so this helps me a lot.

[@mrskint55]

If my guitar teacher taught me that when I was learning I would be a much better player now . Thanks for posting.

[@bubbajordan5479]

This is what a friend of mine who's self taught on guitar was explaining to me a few days ago.He said do this and U will be playing in no time. Makes so much more sense the way U explained it. Ur a great instructor. Thanks for all U do to help out us beginner's

[@fastomunema6293]

You are the most excellent teacher ever easy and clear ❤❤❤

[@TheGlassasylum]

!! GOLD !! Your right! It is basic. Only, I'm self taught, no lessons, ..and never knew this aspect of theory! I see it clearly, thanks for sharing. God Bless you.

[@xDonnyx]

Do you see clearly now the rain is gone?

[@mikkideleon6735]

Cool. At 77 52 yrs on guitar. Always learning. TX

[@civicstar982]

Decided to progress past cowboy and power chords and this has been the most practical lesson of all the theory I’ve been looking up 😅

[@chrisstout8451]

I’ve been playing a circle of 3rds since the mid 80s. It helps to connect the chords. From major to minor chords all through the different keys. Takes 24 chords to get back to the start.

[@superkeltic5593]

Ric, As a guitar/theory teacher, all I gots to say is: THANK YOU. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

[@timothysmith7868]

wholly crap.. what a great video.... I have been working the circle of 4ths in my fret board accelerator course at SBL... so this REALLY rang a bell for me... thank YOU SO MUCH

[@rickysguitar]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching.

[@yeeatit5578]

I jumped on cycle of thirds and I can tell you it was so easy the way you explained it. I don't think I would have ever had any other person explain it as easy as this. I for the life of me don't understand completely guitar theory. Notes or anything like that. But this does clarify a lot I hope that I can implement my notes I took and learn more and how to use this with my guitar playing

[@BigElectricCat]

I’m so excited to have a lesson on the cycles of thirds. I am watching your video with the song by This is The Kit called Moonshine Freeze where the chorus repeats the phrase “cycles of three”. Cheers mate!

[@McCready12]

This is an incredibly useful for any given key. To be able to quickly identify the notes of each chord within the key is great tool. You just have to create a totally different circle if you moved to another key. Ricky made note of this on the circle by saying this was in the key of C. I think I'm going to do one for the other keys and keep them as a handy reference guide. Great video Ricky. Thanks for providing another learning method.

[@kingoimkenya]

Very well taught, with a fitting dose of humour for seasoning. Thanks.

[@PeterBaldwinVT]

This video is the gateway to actually reading music. I’m surprised you didn’t relate this to the treble and bass clefs.

[@alv1174]

Dude, you freaking changed my life. This is so powerful. Awesome.

[@amjPeace]

Over the decades I have had 4 different music teachers, none of whom ever mentioned the cycle of thirds. You are my hero, Ricky!

[@markop.1994]

@@ChrisMillerdoubleplanet u forgot 9ths and 7ths ;)

[@thaianddanelifeinthailand4803]

WOW ! Really good lesson. Very useful and helpful. I've been playing for decades... bereft of this good knowledge. Thanks a lot.

[@RonMaxfield]

Are you the one accredited for the circle of thirds. If so, I bow to you. You are the guru of music theory. I've been telling all my musical friends about you. And what's So neet about your videos is, they can be used to teach our keyboard buddies too. I'm glad I found your videos, thank you very much.

[@rickysguitar]

Thanks Ron, I'm glad I can help.

[@gematria125]

Hahahah I love it...Rick you just make a mass in music theory ...you knock out a million of videos ,,,but you are 100% on spot...it was just time when someone will point " Tzar is naked"

[@thomaskraft1014]

Thank you so much for this information as I am approaching 69 and I am just starting my music business career and this will help me grow immensely 🤯😎

[@albertooliveira3604]

Thanks for this easy and simple explanation, it adds a lot to my simple play. This lesson connected the dots on what I did already knew about it. Thank you!!!!

[@jasonsanmoogan]

PERFECT METHOD FOR UNDERSTANDING TO CHORD/S STURCTURES. ONE LOVE

[@nathalieheath5693]

I play piano and this is absolutely priceless!! Love love love!!

[@JamesWilson-qn5ok]

That was probably the best guitar lesson video I have watched so far - thanks so much.

[@alfgwahigain5544]

This is great stuff. Truly useful and it's amazing that I've never heard anyone talk about this before. Thank you!!

[@KennyBerwager]

Super helpful thank you Ricky. I’d love to see a video taking the circle of 3rds and applying it to the actual 6 string acoustic guitar. I know those individual notes make up Chords so I guess you just put your fingers at each note and strum, simple as that! I suppose knowing circle of thirds helps you navigate the guitar and create beats?

[@rickysguitar]

Follow up lesson on the way Kenny! thanks for watching :)

[@kathydieting4583]

Hello, How are you?

[@hearpalhere]

Greetings from Hungary! I saw this video a long while ago but then forgot about it... glad to come across it again. This is very helpful, thank you for making it!

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

I knew this but never organised it in 3rds, i literally remembered them through huge brain strain! It seems bloody obvious now! eureka moment ... what a great way to do it... thank you Ricky!

[@balmoraltowers]

I spent ages thinking music was a linear thing, once I realised it was circular, I moved on very well, this has put another level to my knowledge, thanks for a great presentation.

[@nuoralanmikonmusiikki]

Thanks. You dont hear enough of this, people usually tend to talk only about the circle of fifths. I like to start from A and just circle every other also counting one-two-three. Havent thought of mnemonic, but maybe ill come up with one too. Great lessons! Keep it up.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Fantastic. You explained this in Clear, concise and Easily-digestible manner. Thanks. Appreciate your great teaching. oNe LovE from NYC

[@joeganzy9053]

I can’t tell you how many Vids that I watched on this music theory. This Vid is fantastic! I’ve saved it, and I will watch it over and over again! Thanks so Much for making this so easy to understand! I’m forever grateful! Peace and Love Always 🐼💙✌🏼

[@rickysguitar]

Super stoked you found it useful Joe!

[@joeganzy9053]

@@rickysguitar thank you, I’m watching the follow up vid now! Great Stuff Ricky! Very easy to understand! Thanks

[@lakervoxx597]

🤯🤯🤯 This video was an absolute mind blowing revelation for me!!! Thanks Ricky! Legend!

[@cellosimmons13]

Can’t believe how you make learning this stuff so easy. Yet, practical.

[@devinthorn8182]

I’ve been an intermediate player for way too damn long and have been working on some theory to better understand wtf I’m doing and this is the video that finally made a BUNCH of stuff click. Thank you so much. Will contribute when able

[@masteridol9341]

It is a good lesson; but l am a beginner.you are a good teacher. I will follow you all the way . Keep on going.

[@fastomunema6293]

You deserve high praises by musicians ❤❤❤❤❤

[@MusicManFernando]

Excellent lesson. Everybody always talks about the Circle of Fifths, but nobody mentions the circle of thirds. I am not a music expert, but it seems to me that the circle of thirds is a lot more important and relevant for guitar players. Thank You very much. You gained a new subscriber.

[@ToddHudsonAtl]

I'm honestly stunned that I like this video as much as I do. Nice work!

[@rickysguitar]

Thanks Todd! I’ve got some additional content coming on this circle of 3rds thing!

[@jasonwojcik]

My mind has been blown and it didn't involve drugs and alcohol! Thank you for sharing this, it is a highly underrated lesson in music theory.

[@webocoli]

An absolute reverlation - makes it look so easy!!

[@Fake_Jesus]

Spot on! This, (along with learning note location?), is where every guitarist should start. Thank you! So I take it that the 13th chord sounds the same in every key...

[@philjames1019]

Loved this lesson ... really brings home all chord detail!!

[@chilekwak.chilekwaii4960]

The Holy Grail King of Music Theory. Bless you Ricky!

[@BoriedeMaurel]

I can’t believe I’ve never heard about the cycle of thirds before this lesson! It is revelatory!

[@HumanLiberty]

LOVE this. Another tip: one even easier way to get the 7th is, it's always the 1st minus 1 ( so the 7th of C is B, etc).

[@rickysguitar]

I did a video on inverting intervals. This is what I do. kzbin.info/www/bejne/joatnp2bfrqmZtk

[@chrisball8080]

Wow! At last, someone has explained it too me and made sense. I'm 76 now, had guitars since I was 15 and never really understood music theory. Thank you so much for the great video. Probably a bit late in my life, but I do enjoy listening and trying to play when the arthritus gives me a break. Thanks Ricky. Much appreciated. I'll check out your other videos. Regards from Chris (OZ). 🙃🦘

[@gordonpelto1069]

That's in the circle of fifths. Along with a ton of other information. I would encourage everyone learn to use it.That said, I appreciate any new way of teaching concepts. Good on ya.

[@JustinDAMusic]

Wow! Mind blowing stuff🤯🤯This is indeed a powerful tool. I have been playing piano for 13 years. I wish that I had come across this sooner in my musical journey. I'm sure that it would've made life much easier.

[@malcolmstar8036]

I’m 71 and have been playing since I was 15 and this video was the first time I ever heard of a cycle of thirds.

[@malcolmstar8036]

I had however heard of Huddersfield. 😉

[@rickysguitar]

Oh crikey! On both counts!!

[@micktulk]

Very informative. Been playing since 1900 and frozen to death but NEVER heard this. Thanks.

[@kathydieting4583]

Hello

[@awittypilot8961]

I can't believe this! Blew me away! Will take a lot of practice to get it to come smoothly but if you understand this you're golden on the fly! I don't have a lot of time in between my actual work that feeds my family but I will put some serious effort into it. This is an AHA moment for me Rickey! Thanks for sharing! I WISH I could take the time to study nothing but music for a year....but I can't. I'm in a band and get around pretty good but this is theory that should be learned pretty quickly.....

[@jkljackal]

Holy crap this is fantastic. Should be lesson #1 for any beginner.

[@rickysguitar]

The most common lesson-> 0 3 5 0 3 65 0 3 5 3 0

[@tommcguire1649]

Very good. I liked this tremendously. Very helpful.

[@lumarians]

You are dispelling with your logic of music..enjoyed it so!

[@JohnPDX]

Outstanding video. My goodness, your video editing skills have improved considerably. Nice work. Thank you.

[@thestrangepasenger]

A thank-you man for the PDF and thank you for the video

[@aerykauston614]

Thank you sir, very easy to follow... I feel smarter already.

[@dmyerstc55]

This is a great lesson! Thank you

[@alandomagalski7274]

Well done l must say all l see is cycle of fifths over and over again and again . Thanks

[@cristianmontero3407]

Just amazing !!! Thanks so much Ricky !

[@ajnewell2693]

Dammit! I started playing in 1993. WHERE WERE U THEN lol! This is really blowing my mind......Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@davedavem]

The algorithm decided I needed this today. Stupid algorithm! I needed it at least 20 years ago!! Subscribed 🤘😆🤘

[@robertb790]

Wow! You sir, are the "Neo" of the Music Matrix!! Much appreciated

[@grantvanderberg]

Thank you for all your lessons

[@rickysguitar]

Thank you for watching!

[@jukpulfer]

great video mate, helped me out loads and you being a brit made it so much easier to watch

[@blurzz.9428]

i watched your video without looking at your sub count and you seemed like a mainstream guitar teacher tbh, you are funny, interesting and wise. So it was obvious to think you were already getting the attention you deserve but no! 22k?! u deserve way more than that. Keep up the great work!!

[@wafaken]

This is what I thought too. I'm starting to learn music theory and I always see circle of fifths tutorial but as I'm learning, I found myself sounding good using triads. Thank you for this video!

[@Theylieohio]

Thank you, you have just given me that Ah Ha moment! And you know how few and far those can be.

[@TheVitalEdge]

Brilliant, just absolutely brilliant. You turned on more lightbulbs than Edison, my friend.

[@graemethorne4540]

Thanks I hadn't thought about the circle of 3 rds it's fantastic.

[@thunderace4588]

Thank you for making this helpful lesson for us Ricky.

[@rickysguitar]

Any time buddy :)

[@fretfrontier]

Really wonderful way of relating things together. Thank you.

[@kpopunlimited4773]

Played the piano since I was about 9. And I am kicking myself... very hard... that I NEVER worked out that the treble and bass mnemonics were so intrinsically linked.

[@1oolabob]

I'm over 60 years old and have tried unsuccessfully to learn standard musical notation many times. I know why it's been so difficult for me: I can learn the demonics (kinda kidding, kinda not) for the lines and spaces, but then every piece of sheet music I try to learn has at least half of the notes written way above or way below the staff, as though I'm supposed to be able to recognize those by looking at them. But I don't have this ability, and I end up feeling like I have an inferior brain. So instead, I learn intervals on my instrument and music theory as it applies to the sound instead of music theory as it applies to the marks that don't mean anything to me. For 50 or more of my 60+ years, I've played instruments, but I still can't say that I'm a musician for fear that someone will ask me to sight-read. I feel like the lesson in this video wants to help me overcome this hurdle, but it's just my 50+ years of being silenced by sheet music that makes me wish I knew a way. Do you know the easy way to recognize the notes that are off the grid? I don't, and I'm here humbly asking for your help.

[@kathydieting4583]

How are you doing?

[@BoriedeMaurel]

Really good teaching, Ricky.

[@gsmmax1]

Watching it again. You're fabulous.

[@strakashagnasty]

So so informative and useful. Bang on the money Ricky 😊

[@jeremyknifley]

Thank you so much! It is like finding the Pick of Destiny! Now we can all Melt them Faces!

[@jakoblangley]

Thank you so much for this, this was incredibly helpful.

[@jeffholland3502]

- Simple but GENIUS! Why has no one shown this to me before now? I hit like & subscribed! Well done!

[@Berenartnet]

Every Good Boy Does Fine was my first sheet music reading mnemonic.