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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#cycleofthirds #guitartheory #musictheory
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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.

[@UTAH100]

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...

[@dominicclarke2696]

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

[@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 ;)

[@stephensmith60]

Every once in a while someone highly developed comes in-to our lives to help us learn something we'd probably Never figure out on our own. You sir, are that special individual! Thank you for ALL that you're doing for us who struggle with trying to figure all this out. Today feels like my birthday, and I've been given a special gift! 👏🏻😊🥂

[@Metalwheel]

Agreed 100%

[@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.

[@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.

[@ritchyandmary]

Ricky! Thank you! I am literally a 53 year old that watched this and thought holly shi!te! Why did it take 35 years for someone to say that to me! I've been playing bass since the 80s and while I was able to play, I gave up on theory as the 4/5 cycle just didn't make sense to me - I knew there was something foundational that I didn't know and this was it - thank you so much! I've spent a couple of hours watching you over the past couple of days after watching this - thankful you are posting free lessons as this literally was the foundation that had been missing all these years!

[@H4U-14]

Same here. My learning journey will be soooooo much easier :-). Thank you!

[@fastomunema6293]

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

[@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.........

[@zaphods2ndhead193]

Interesting. I have been playing piano and guitar by ear (and notation) for 35 years. My brain, deep down, knew this information but this Circle of Thirds put it in a visual form that I have never thought of before. Man, I could have used this for a LONG time.

[@Frisson391]

Played the organ 55 yrs ago- dont even ask me about the teacher- ABUSIVE PLAYED PIANO -Made a little progress but became frustrated and was busy getting married and other thingd Picked up guitar. Harder to get your fingers on the right note. And it hurts when you first start. Recently picked up guitar and so goad I ran into this. This has to be the best lesson Ive ever seen . Like why dont they all just start here. Amazing and thank you so so much

[@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!

[@wrangler548]

Glad somebody finally pointed this out , Stacking thirds has been around a while , just over too many heads. Thanks for posting. worthwhile info .

[@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...

[@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!

[@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"

[@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.

[@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!

[@kingoimkenya]

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

[@Michael-qz4hz]

Thank you Rickey. This has got to be one of the best and most informative videos I have seen on KZbin. Top notch content.

[@mikkideleon6735]

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

[@marekmosat7176]

what the... why is nobody talking more about this? This is so important to really understand reasoning behind... i am speachless. Thank you Sir, you are my hero.

[@TheVitalEdge]

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

[@robertclemons911]

wow !!!! I JUST LEARNED MORE IN 30 MINUTES THAN I HAVE IN 30 years !!! THANKS...

[@michaelmorgan9289]

Ricky, Thanks for the informative video. You set it out so logically that it's easy to remember for the first 10 mins. But with all thing that one wants you have to work at it. Thanks.

[@fastomunema6293]

You deserve high praises by musicians ❤❤❤❤❤

[@SS-qo3nt]

Dear Ricky: you've just helped me unlock the mysterious soul of a musical instrument I own that nobody teaches I'm America........I'm floating away on the clouds to Central Asia dreaming of my musical future with this precious gift.....you are going to help me amaze and inspire no matter what 3 and 5 stringed instruments I play. THANK YOU!!!!!!!

[@PeterBaldwinVT]

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

[@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.

[@teacherofteachers1239]

I certainly know how to construct extended chords, but I never thought about how they are all going up the same ladder, so to speak, but just with a different starting point. This is so obvious when one sees the word "FACE" in all of the extended chords in the upper left (sometimes the word starts near the end and comes back around the start). This simple idea of the circle of thirds is so empowering. Brilliant. Much thanks.

[@superkeltic5593]

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

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@roothogordie2391]

Best lesson I've ever had privilege to hear

[@ferialsouhail]

And also I’m so thankful for your lessons and machinations .. so rich and full of knowledge❤

[@mateoh.3735]

Why is it I’ve been watching guitar lesson videos for 8 years and this is the first day I’ve seen any of your videos? Very strange but anyway glad I stumbled upon your channel. Great content.

[@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 :)

[@hilmarholland9165]

Excellent !!! Thank you very much for this lesson !!! 14 minutes replaces hours of studying

[@nathalieheath5693]

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

[@alfgwahigain5544]

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

[@JamesWilson-qn5ok]

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

[@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? 🤨

[@reverendray1]

This is incredibly useful and very well presented! Really love your no-faff ways to explain theories. Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🖖🏾

[@thaianddanelifeinthailand4803]

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

[@nitesurfer]

WOW as this was unfolding i thought its amazing the staff lines are spaced as a cycle of thirds.. and somehow i think this is going to help me with sight reading etc... what an amazing explanation about how to construct chords -it especially simplifies the 7th and the 9th etc cheers I love your down to earth.. and practically simple way of explaining and your no gadget or gimmick demonstrations

[@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!

[@sebastiansalcedo3920]

La mejor clase básica que desbloquea todo! Thanks 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.

[@jasonsanmoogan]

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

[@lakervoxx597]

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

[@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 😅

[@steveb4400]

Excellent tutorial and a great sense of humor to go with it. Thank you Ricky.

[@DrunkenRhinoceros]

Thank You mr. Comiskey. Your an awesome instructor that gives meaning to why we do what we do as players.

[@ericmohler5609]

Dude…… This is fantastic!! How have I not ever seen this before? Got to admit I almost scrolled on by… I mean how many music theory videos does one need to absorb. This is different. Fun delivery. Very practical. Immediately usable. Thank you so much.

[@harrylazard805]

Best video on music theory I've ever watched...

[@michael_caz_nyc]

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

[@thestrangepasenger]

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

[@Theballroomgreenhills]

The best teacher I've ever seen with this stuff.

[@alv1174]

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

[@langdontroy]

Eyeup Ricky, you’re doing a real service to the online guitar community! Thanks from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@cristianmontero3407]

Just amazing !!! Thanks so much Ricky !

[@tommcguire1649]

Very good. I liked this tremendously. Very helpful.

[@MrJohnBarton]

Great lesson thank you for sharing your gift of music I love it

[@dmyerstc55]

This is a great lesson! Thank you

[@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!!!!

[@philjames1019]

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

[@fretfrontier]

Really wonderful way of relating things together. Thank you.

[@cellosimmons13]

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

[@Born2RiffRock]

Ive watched this 5 times still get more out of it. Your lessons are the best on YT.

[@createlovehappy]

Excellent work. Thank you.

[@dr123hall]

Yes!! Explain octave in first two minutes! Chords two minutes later?!Laughs Austin Powers)genius- Fans&Cash! Subliminal pics hilarious! Info priceless!!!

[@johnmaloney1681]

Mind Blown! Thank you so much!

[@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

[@77JMW]

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.

[@wjimz]

Wow, that's amazing! Thank you for this.

[@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!

[@zinktrumpet]

Got to be said this is a real eye opener, been playing guitar for 55 years and never came across this, helped me out no end. Well presented, absolutely mind blowingly useful, thank you so much. Next step the other keys, but with this foundation it gives the hunger to get it done, just WOW!

[@rickysguitar]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@gsmmax1]

Watching it again. You're fabulous.

[@mikeschott9465]

Wow! Brilliantly done.

[@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

[@jakoblangley]

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

[@Nikage23]

I think this are both best explanation and trick ever! It all of a sudden is starting to make sense to me. God bless ya, man!

[@balkansavage]

As soon as someone says they'll use the E key to explain some concept, I'm pressing like 😀👏

[@Mike28625]

Abracadabra. Literally. That's amazing

[@JohnPDX]

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

[@astrologyambience240]

Brilliant, Ricky!

[@FitzyStrings]

Incredible. Thank you Ricky!

[@mo9620]

Great video and editing work Ricky. Very informative material, seen this topic before on youtube. But the way you did it , starting with a empty paper and building it up made it much clearer to understand.

[@rickysguitar]

Ah! Thank you! It took a wee while to put this one together. Glad someone noticed lol. I like the pen and paper method of explaining things. I do it in my 1 to 1 lessons! Glad you found it easy to understand too! thanks for watching :)

[@chilekwak.chilekwaii4960]

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

[@BoriedeMaurel]

Really good teaching, Ricky.

[@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.

[@williambettis431]

This is amazing!! Thanks so much!

[@CharlesAustin]

Thanks for defining and “point making” on things people have been hedging on for years this nails it and inspires further exploration for all instruments !! Cool !!

[@kathydieting4583]

Hello, How are you?

[@strakashagnasty]

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

[@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?

[@DaveTaste]

I like the editing. It's like Fonejacker.

[@exsubsailor547]

GREAT video, thanks!!!