7 Ways To Actually Use the Circle of 5ths

Printable PDF music theory worksheets to practice what we learn here can be found on my Patreon: / gracieterzian
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Videos referenced in video:
Circle of Fifths Video: • Circle of 5ths: Easies...
Relative Minor Video: • Relative Minor Keys - ...
Diatonic Chords Video: • Easy Chord Theory - Di...
Triads Video: • Easy Chord Theory - Tr...
Video timestamps:
1. 1:16 Notes in major scales
2. 3:43 Sharps/flats in major key signatures
3. 5:05 How close key signatures are to each other
4. 7:42 Relative minor key or chord
5. 10:01 Diatonic chords
6. 12:54 Moving up or down by 5ths and 4ths
7. 20:59 Transposing music
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[@dylancarl1438]

I know I’m repeating what everyone is saying, but I’ve been trying to self teach music theory for the past 6 months or so and I haven’t found a channel that actually burns this stuff into my brain. The best teachers are those who can make something complicated simple

[@novepipps]

Teaching ability is such an underrated skill.

[@htorres11]

Do NOT apologize for linking a lot of videos. It's not your fault that you are so darn helpful and PROLIFIC! Love your stuff and it really helps me with the learning of some Music "THEORY"....lol.

[@GracieTerzian]

I appreciate that!

[@KirkChauncey]

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@R.Akerman-oz1tf]

Just transposed "Don't Dream it's Over"; math is kool. worked like majik@@GracieTerzian

[@henrygrant9650]

@@GracieTerzian could you add timestamps to your videos?

[@claudialincoln6300]

Agreed, best on KZbin!

[@RDhingra]

It took me three years to study the circle of 5th and you put everything together in 15 minutes. Salute to your teaching style.

[@Nick-ui9dr]

Khaphi gyani purush jaan padtey Dingra saheb! ... 3 Years? 😂😀

[@Thomas_Sch]

took me 2 hours

[@idontgivea1769]

3 years?! Come on, this is simple stuff!

[@klinstarzy9215]

but it's kind of difficult especially if you haven't heard about its at the initial stage of learning but she might put it up if15 minutes did you knew how long it's took her to perpetuate it 3 year to me it means you don't study it often only in a blue moon but moreover you still ended up learning it

[@dobropauloc]

Wow, it looks like all these incredibly positive comments go on for miles! And after watching this, I understand why ... you're a fantastic teacher and know how to explain difficult concepts with great clarity. About the only thing I could add is that with no music background I purchased my first dobro at age 70. It's been challenging, but now at 75 I'm able to play about 15 or 20 tunes. But I could never understand much theory or the Circle of 5ths. Finally this weekend I just decided that I had to somehow figure it out if I wanted to advance much further. I accidentally stumbled onto your site and it was eye-opening. I've been glued to my screen watching and taking notes. Thank you so much!!! I've watched two of your circle videos so far, and can't wait to get into minor keys, diatonic chords, etc. You've helped me rediscover the magic of playing music! Thank you so much!!!!!!

[@GracieTerzian]

Wow that is amazing!! Thank you SO much for your kind words. I really, really appreciate them. Keep up the great work and good luck with your continued musical journey!!

[@judparn1018]

Your circle of 5ths videos are a great aid in understanding music theory but you always refer to past videos.

[@GranthamAtHome]

Gracie - You illuminate the dark voids of my musical ignorance with such fluidity and ease. Another masterpiece, thank you.

[@GracieTerzian]

aww thank you so much! really appreciate it :)

[@suzannebeach719]

Brilliant!

[@slimshekar]

you should be a poet! maybe you are ....

[@mm-zn5hh]

@@GracieTerzian hello Gracie,thanks for your lessons..😊..uhm...i have a question, and i hope you can help me...if the scale is in the key of A minor,and its the first degree of the scale will it remain a minor??because im confuse...i always think of I ii iii IV V vi vii, plz help me.

[@Ketoswammy]

@@mm-zn5hh Yes, the 1 chord would still be Amin, but that pattern you typed is the one for major (Ionian) , not minor (aeolian) scales (modes).

[@gaillyn1110]

Gracie… I have no words! I haven’t played piano for over 30 years and as a child, I had such a mental block about music theory that I ended up quitting lessons. I have never heard theory taught so beautifully and understandably as you have done! I am so very very grateful for all the effort that you have put into making these videos and I look forward to my progression because of your teaching. Thank you again so much.

[@GracieTerzian]

What a kind and beautiful note! Thank you so much!!!! I am so happy to read this!!

[@filmleeuw]

Do you realize how much value you give here teaching people music theory in a nutshell? So clear to the point. Big thanks from netherlands!!!

[@Mike_Petro]

The Easter egg is that bit on transposing!!!! But ALL these videos are gems!! Thanks for being you!

[@rakehell404]

Ahh, here we go. This is the perfect complement to your other video on circle of 5ths. As always, your teaching skills are superb. You are my go-to source for music theory. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge in such an easily consummable format.

[@tatethegreat69]

Yep I agree with everyone here, you’re videos are the first Ive watched that have truly helped me understand the circle of fifths. You’ve got a knack for explaining the overall concepts but also all the little details along the way that I would otherwise get stuck on. Thank you!

[@GracieTerzian]

Thank you so much! I’m so happy to hear this :)

[@jillh15]

This is the first time I actually understand how and why I should use the circle of fifths. Thank you for simplifying the process for me.

[@JeffKohn]

I took 4 years of piano lessons over 55 years ago. Thanks to you, I have purchased a Korg keyboard and will get into it in a way that my old teacher could not inspire in a 10 year old. Thank you Gracie.

[@jecodia]

You are an EXCELLENT teacher. I'm a bassist and I'm learning so much from you. Thank you.

[@papageren3433]

I can't begin to describe how I feel about your teaching style. You are absolutely top notch, Gracie, I've been confused by the circle for so long. You've made it look so much more like a road map that I can understand! Thank you!

[@charlesedwards7638]

You have the best approach I have ever seen in my life! I've been playing for over 20 years and you STILL have taught me things I didn't know or rather, things I didn't even realize I knew and things I kinda knew but didn't know how to use them. I would recommend you to anyone that wanted to master the basics and grow into a better musician!

[@sheastudios5824]

I truly, truly appreciate the way you simplify theory. The lights are coming on for me.

[@GracieTerzian]

Yay that's great to hear! Thanks for your nice comments :)

[@silxbeats]

I dont think so, the gate of heaven are opening for you...

[@BennettYancey]

Understanding the circle of fourths and fifths has been HUGE in helping me transcribe songs leading to being able to play more music. Thanks for ALL of your videos! As others said, don’t apologize for being resourceful!

[@jim1664]

I've been playing music for 20+ years but skipped too much theory. This is gold, thank you!

[@maryk6780]

The more I watch this video, and some of your others, the more it sinks in. With practice and watching your videos repeatedly, the light in my mind goes on! You take the mystery out of this for me. I really appreciate your instruction😊

[@MSilvermanCA]

You have taught me so much about music theory in such a short period of time...it blows my mind.

[@GracieTerzian]

Yay! That makes me so happy to hear! :)

[@HK-Original]

The only person who teaches me and I understand

[@DisruptedSinner]

I simply don't know how you don't have 2 billion subs at this point - for the following reasons: 1. You sing like a frickin' angel 2. Your mastery of music theory and amazingly understandable presentation of it is beyond any music teacher I've ever seen 3. You're gorgeous and seem like one of the nicest people anyone would want to meet I've been playing metal guitar for like 35+ years and you've taught me so much with this channel - so thank you so much for that. You've opened up the world of music for me again. High praise? Yes, indeed - and well deserved.

[@robertcronin6603]

Agreed 👍

[@thegolfnut812]

@@robertcronin6603 Somehow I don't think he wanted a response from a dude. He was really wanting her to respond.

[@slydogtom]

@@thegolfnut812 so … ummm … he feels the same way. Is that ok with you?

[@bentebogen2312]

Thank you for this video! One comment, though: The reason why F in C major is called the subdominant is that it is a fifth below the tonic, hence the circle of fifths, not that it is a step below the dominant. Here is a citation from Scribd: In music, the subdominant is the technical name for the fourth tonal degree of the diatonic scale. It is so called because it is the same distance "below" the tonic as the dominant is above the tonic - in other words, the tonic is the dominant of the subdominant. [2] It also happens to be the note immediately"below" the dominant.

[@kashivishwanath7603]

Superb video. Very clearly explained. My first chord lesson was in the year 1978, now in Dec 2022 I understood circle of 5ths. Thank you. The other confusion is always on modes. I hope there would be video on modes and simpler/ logical way for remembering and applying. Thanks once again...🙏🙏🙏

[@edwardwollmann4602]

Gracie, you do a great job educating us 'wanna be' musicians on music theory. The one thing I would suggest is that you slow down the speed at which you present your information. This will give us some time to digest the information you are presenting as you go along. Keep up the great work!!

[@Hallesy1]

I’ve been working on the circle of fifths for a while now but have clearly over thinking it. Your videos have clicked it into place. You have a great way of explaining the seemingly difficult but actually quite obvious... not an easy task. Thanks.

[@GracieTerzian]

That's wonderful to hear! So glad you feel it clicking into place finally. Cheers and thanks for the nice comment!

[@geraldgomez5258]

Hi Gracie, Gerald here again. I'm a self taught bass player with no music theory back ground. I played with a guitar player Noah Nihau from Hawaii who first introduced me to circle of fifths he didn't really explain it to me in detail but suggested I learn it and now I'm learning it with you thank you! His playing was very creative, I'm sure the circle of fifths had a lot to do with it, that's what I want. He has since passed away and I miss him and his playing..😔

[@aschalewfekede4118]

I am 64, and I really enjoyed your leason. You are my respected teacher. I opened my eyes and have shown a change. Thank you.

[@cigxhang486]

Whoever figured out the circle of fifth was a genius (or just someone who works very hard

[@Susanzakho]

You are the best and the most beautiful teacher on the planet earth many thanks for your time.

[@MortalTheSussy]

When the tutorial is this good, I never skip any ad! 🥰

[@GracieTerzian]

Hahaha thank you! So nice of you to say :)

[@TheSonsofaadam]

You’re such a brilliant teacher. Thanks so much for these great videos.

[@RaynFemaleProducer]

OMG! I really never noticed the reference to a clock and where each note on the circle are. I heard you reference it in the first video but it flew right by! Game changer!

[@GracieTerzian]

Yes, it's cool that it's a clock so that we can visually relate it to something we already know! Glad you like it! :)

[@storefrontlivingatvinewood1941]

This is great. I have never heard an explanation and mapping for the circle of fourths AND fifths -(love that tidbit of info). Explanations always make understanding easier. Thank you for this.

[@limegreenthecolor]

Gracie, your explanations are very easy to follow and detailed enough to help the student understand complex concepts. I'm a bass player and know a little bit about music theory, but I've learned a lot in all your videos. Great job and thanks for doing the videos!

[@GracieTerzian]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for this nice comment! Keep rockin that bass :)

[@kenilatu6219]

Awesome Gracie, excellent teaching on the cycle of fifth. I think memorising the whole cycle of fifth really equipped students for a career in music. That's the only theory you need, the rest is just practice, "sweating"

[@ReganKeely]

Beautiful, elegant, intelligent, so helpful! Thank you for your service, the world is a brighter and more creative place thanks to you

[@chriscrockcm]

I could listen to you all day

[@nzane1400]

The amount I’ve learned in two days based off your videos has helped me exponentially. Can’t thank you enough. Thought I’d never understand the circle of fifths

[@blousug]

2023 me would like to thank you for this series of videos. I have been knee deep in theory and its helped my bass playing so much. Hope you have a great day ❤

[@PearlLaneTV]

Hands down the best circle of 5ths utilization video on KZbin

[@rustyl.6358]

This, like your other videos, is extremely helpful. I'm in my 13th month of learning guitar and music theory, as a hobby, being an adult with a family, job, mortgage, etc. Just a few days ago I attempted to write a chord progression of my own. I did it by ear trying to find chords and rhythm that sounded good. Though I did lean on what little I know of theory. I did find something I really liked. And I now practice it daily. It turns out I used tension and release, and shared adjacent keys in my short composition without knowing it. Now I know why it sounds good and is enjoyable to listen to. Thanks again for your excellent teaching methods from one of your Patreons.

[@StephiSensei26]

Terrific stuff Gracie! The Dark Mysteries of Music Theory,... Revealed! You're a true teacher. Brava!

[@jimmywidemore9225]

I have been playing the guitar for years and never understood this! Thank you @Gracie

[@saintjabroni]

I love this woman. Her teaching skill is impeccable. #blessed 💫

[@GracieTerzian]

Thank you! :)

[@rawzoo143]

What a glorious way of teaching music.... More than just liking your videos , sharing your work and subscribing to your channel ; I have now started loving you...., my dear girl....

[@GracieTerzian]

aw thank you so much for sharing!

[@extanegautham8950]

Thing is, there are so many videos about music theory on line from people that are either pretty poor at explaining, or are so dry or nasally, that its impossible to sit thru more than 45 seconds....Here is someone that anyone would wish were their neighbor or cousin or friend, another words friendly and warm in her/his manner, and who is excited to teach, and clear in her teaching....For me, that's what makes it a joy to learn here....Thank you...

[@anewhair]

This is SUUUUUPER HELPFUL!!! I’ve been trying to understand this and nobody breaks it down as simply as you do! Everybody talks about the I, IV and V chords but nobody explains why they matter so much. You’re such a good teacher! Thank you!!

[@MrZippitydo]

The Nashville system makes this so much easier to understand or better to say use much simpler but you are so much more sophisticated

[@robster7316]

Can really feel the light bulbs switching on. So much explained here that was unclear before, after years of lessons. Even the obvious clock analogy was a revelation. Thx so much Gracie!

[@beemanrunning977]

I'm amazed at how well you know this and yet are still able to explain in a way that even someone who is just starting out can understand it. You are a genius! Thanks

[@scottduke]

This video blew my mind. I never realized the circle of fifths was such a valuable resource for understanding how notes, chords and scales all work together! It only took me 46 years to learn this lesson. Thanks for the careful and thorough work you do to see too it that we “get it” even if it’s a half a century late!

[@abbesatty9498]

No one explains the Circle of 5th in such elegant way like Gracie. This one is your masterpiece when it comes to your Music Theory series.

[@ForTheBanterNI]

Just wanted to comment to say I love your music theory videos. Beginner guitar player here and has been great for writing chord progressions. Greetings from Ireland!!

[@adriankolsters]

Finally someone who explains it really well..... was struggling with the circle for a long time, now able to use it in various ways when being creative on the piano. Thanks a lot!

[@pcm7315]

She's a great instructor.

[@peoriaos6627]

Nice video... I've always used the circle of 5ths purely for jazz. Here's a tidbit to add to that... if you are going down a fifth, flatten the 7th, which creates the fourth of the scale of the next key a fifth down. Oppositely, going up a fifth, you sharpen the fourth to get the 7th of the next key up. I really like the key change usage, especially for a complex tune. Thanks!

[@paulsadhan7956]

Gracie let me tell you I have watched alot of Guitar tutorials but they explanation is as clear as mud. You simplified it like bread and butter. And the videos are short, brief, and covers all major details in music theory. I have already watched 12 videos of musci theory. It has immensely helped in my concept of music theory. Your explanation is UNBELIEVABLE. God bless 🙂

[@franksmith9916]

Thank you Gracie - you explain, what are sometimes tricky concepts, in a very easy to understand way. You are a born teacher. Thank you so much for your videos and all of the time and effort you must put into making them.

[@MrCparlak]

Perfect explanation. There is another way of using the Circle. I can also identify all major and minor chords right on the Circle!!

[@shastriramtahal7805]

The up and down ascending and descending explanations were the highlight for me. I was never clear on this concept. Thanks a million.

[@martinjones5965]

4:48 you actually explained diatonic - that's the kind of thoughtfulness which separates your videos from most others.

[@mike2884]

Thank u:) I took piano lessons for a short timeduring my lunch breaks at work . He told me if i really wuna learn jazz i newd to memorize circle of fifths like back of my hand. Now that my life is more stable im doing where i left off lol

[@DonnaPatterson-fy5tz]

I'll have to watch this maybe several times more; but after 30 years of trying to understand the Circle, I'm finally "getting it". Kudos!

[@fitzmauriceworks]

Thanks Gracie. I'm only recently started to get my head around music theory and your explanations are really helpful. My brain has gone from feeling deep fried to lightly flambeed!

[@GracieTerzian]

hahaha :) thank you and i'm so glad you are finding the videos helpful!

[@anthonyanderson9420]

Best explanation of circle of fifths on KZbin. Great vids!

[@GracieTerzian]

Thank you very much!! Much appreciated, Anthony! :)

[@ryanburchett8455]

Yes. This comment sums it up.

[@sandralorenz630]

you are the best teacher i found so far. Thank you soo much

[@klassenjimmy99]

I understand the circle of 5ths ⭕️ so much better now. Thanks Gracie and Manhattan,Queens, Brooklyn reference I understand soooo much now thank you thank you thank you. Stay safe and blessed. KLA$$EN

[@TristanLangdon]

Where have you been all my musical life! As someone with adhd, I’ve always found it extremely hard to concentrate on theory, but you make it so easy that you’ve given me knew hope, because after 30 years of getting nowhere I was ready to throw in the towel. And then I found your videos and I finally get it. Thank you very much! xx

[@vivekvarmab6342]

Light bulb moment as I watched your video - I can use the circle to figure out the chords for a typical 145 blues progression. 1 step counter clock wise for 4 chord and 1 step clockwise for the 5 chord! Love these moments! Thanks very much for your lessons

[@s84216]

This is amazing. I’m in the process of practicing diatonic scales on guitar and your video made so much click for me. Thank you so much.

[@51Gpa]

Ok, after years of trying to understand….now I finally get it! Thanks so much for your clear instruction.

[@MrSedum]

Gracie, Gracie, Gracie. Thank you so much for your lessons. I imagine, like many others, that I've tried learning this stuff and still can't seem to wrap my little head around it. Thankfully, I've discovered you, and by virtue of your teaching style that aforementioned little head is beginning to tick. There's light at the end of the tunnel. 😊 You have one more subscriber here now. Thanks again and please continue the good work. 👊🫡🤟🙋

[@stompthedragon4010]

Yes, I started with that video and it was my first thought. Its been a loong time for me since trying to understand music theory.

[@pimvanberkel]

The special thing for me every time I see a video of you, is the that you explain complicated music theory so easily and in a pleasant way. I haven't seen this anywhere else before, not on KZbin or anywhere else. I've become a big fan of yours

[@Jp-ml8dm]

Wow, I have tried listening to several explain the circle of 5ths and you finally, finally allowed my brain to click. In other words with this vid and the explanation of the circle of 5ths, I had an A HA!! moment. Thank you so, so much.

[@mohammadfarzaneh]

You explained it like no one! I just spent my last week on your channel!

[@sov8963]

Gracie, I've been studying the Circle for a while, and have watched many videos on the subject and put into practice all of them. Of course, everyone brings their own perspective on the matter, but your teaching I think is the clearest and most useful I've come across. Thank you for sharing your love and knowledge of music. I am truly inspired.

[@von_Apa]

You are such an extraordinary capacity for us getting our education on You tube! You have the skill to make yourself understood and it's fun to learn from you! ☑️🙏🌺

[@moxenrider]

Thanks. Started with the 3 types of minors and got the info I needed. I can almost explain to someone else. This is my second video. I’ve found so many uses for the circle it’s like this secret decoder wheel for why music works

[@copyvijaylivez]

Sis thanking u for the valuable inputs, it helps me grow further. God bless u.

[@maxcarter3413]

Amazing clarity in your instruction. Thank you.

[@DoekmeisterD]

Just awesome! I was struggling to understand the application of the circle of fifths. Got an app, watched videos, but still it didn't kick in, now it did. Thank you so much!!

[@Debangshuification]

You're a gem of a teacher. I wish i discovered you earlier

[@indmych]

Fantastic content! You have solid teacher chops! Stuff I've almost known for years now finally clear. And the video! Killer composition, great palette, top notch all around. It's going to be fun watching your channel grow.

[@luisugozzoli1756]

Your lessons are superb! Thank you very much for your help.

[@TheProletariat.]

I feel like learning music is alot like trying to find the right moment to pull out into fast moving rush hour traffic! Or like yur trying to jump on a train going in a circle that has no beginning and no end! Lol! Everything is so tied together. Watching this video I'm thinking back to a couple of the popular chord progressions I learned while taking lessons as a kid.. progressions to this day still so engrained into me. But literally each chord I've spent years feeling so limited to are deeply connected to many other avenues! I've often thought of myself as not a beginner guitarist because I've played for so long... but have a healthy humbleness to refuse to even consider myself as "intermediate" either.. 😆 I love the fact she has linked various topics to other videos she has made... then says to stop and go watch it if you don't understand. Well I did watch some of them other videos... and I'm still just as lost! Lol! I'm exaggerating! Ha! I think as soon as I get home tonight I'm gonna pick up my guitar and play out the 1-4-5 of each key! Then try throwing in those minors! This is super interesting! :) I'm certain I've played this while learning songs over the years... just never understood why or how those chords fit into this musical theory!

[@django02]

You are knocking it out of the park with your music theory videos. I had no idea of all these features and uses of the circle of fifths. Super helpful. Thanks so much for your clear and easy to grasp explanations. I learned a lot watching this one.

[@KP11520]

When you explain the complimentary relationships vs those that are not when opposed. it always helps to use songs everybody knows to illustrate the point! That's how teachers set concepts into concrete. It takes those on the edge of grasping the concepts to ringing the bell! Just a suggestion that might help you be able to set your teachings in a higher percentage of the students tuning in! Otherwise, carry on. Always a pleasure!

[@richholoch8230]

I have this cool circle of 5ths "wheel", but now I can visualize the " why" and the "how" it all works. Best yet, now I can memorize it and not need a crutch. Thank you so much - this has really helped me get to the next level!

[@allanbauelua3727]

Thank you Gracie Terzian for your helpful tutorial. 🙏

[@dannmetal6459]

Amazing! So clear, yet detailed enough to understand. Love your work. Cheers. Dann

[@wedgebeard]

Hah, I love that you have all these linked videos that take deeper dives into other concepts to help folks catch up with ideas to make this video more understandable. You're a fantastic teacher, I appreciate your amazing lessons!

[@GordonSimmons]

This tutorial is perhaps the best I have ever seen to explain the Circle of Fifths/Fourths! The whole series is great. Thank you Ms Terzian for such an easy to understand series of videos.

[@Gstation9]

Great Tutorial Videos. Loved your format ! Thank you Gracie

[@howlinhoward]

I'm passing these videos along as shining examples of how to teach music theory. Thank you!!

[@zwurltech9047]

You are such a good Teacher **ich bin ganz hin und weg** it's extremely easy to follow you, the learning-entrance it wide, wide open. Excellent! When teaching theoriy-stuff it is very helpful to weave in examples in between, as you did in this video with the uke.

[@rodds23]

Thank you Gracie, there are a lot of explanations 'out there' on the circle of fifths however you make it clear, easy to understand and recall.

[@LDMooradian341]

Gracie, your videos have helped me fill in the gaps and gave me confidence in music theory!! I appreciate and applaud your teaching style! Thank you!!😊