Why the Circle of Fifths is Important

Most people don't understand what the circle of fifths is -- or how to use it. Here's a look at exactly why it's such a powerful tool for songwriting.
If you'd like to see more videos like this, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE. And if you know someone who needs to see this, be sure to SHARE it with them. I want to know what you think, so please COMMENT.
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[@andreasihlen6244]

Superimposing the piano keyboard onto the circle of fifths is so much clearer than simply having the sharp and flat symbols! I hope this becomes a standard reference point for music students which side-steps much unnecessary confusion....

[@mikegeorge360]

Traditional (old, outdated) symbols are the greatest barrier to understanding.

[@commentfreely5443]

media.gab.com/system/media_attachments/files/117/218/222/original/93e9c5c963c07d0b.jpeg

[@ChinqMiau1]

Absolute genius. Wow.

[@SirGalahadThePure]

Agreed

[@mr.nobody2244]

Agreed. Music Theory should be accessible to anyone. This outdated white western 17th century stuff needs to go. Let's make it more intuitive.

[@lamontgilliland9664]

As someone who has played piano now for 55 years and studied music theory at the college level -- this is absolutely the most brilliant explanation of the Circle of Fifths. As an electrical engineer by degree and profession, your graphical breakdown and analysis is profoundly insightful. Thank you for taking the time to put this together and to share it with others. BTW: I particularly appreciated your comment, "Now that you can see sound."

[@tonytoons9301]

Bro, some music major better tell me this is exactly what you end up learning. Cause this is genius and took like 13 mins.

[@nixonkutz3018]

Must have taken you hours to make those animations, but they certainly get the job done! Excellent video

[@mikegeorge360]

Thank you!

[@RockerProf]

This is, hands down, the best video on the circle of fifths I have ever watched. I found myself screenshooting all the way through it just so I could have this information in my music theory notebook. Thank you for making this video.

[@mikegeorge360]

Thank you for your support, Anne! I’m so glad you’re here. Many more diagrams in the community. 🤘

[@SirGalahadThePure]

I did the same thing. Plan to print them out to have them easily accessible.

[@Beerbatter1962]

Totally agree. I've watched at least 1/2 dozen circle of fifths videos and it just never sank in. This video really hit it home for me. What really did it this time is the piano keyboard superimposed on the circle, and the clock like ticks that clearly show how each key overlaps. Everything is very visual for me, so this helps immensely. Also, the keyboard superimposed on the circle really shows the pattern by which the sharps and flats are added or taken away as one goes around the circle; something I've heard discussed so much but never really understood. So helpful. Thanks for producing this video.

[@SuperRingoffire1]

Great idea cheers 👍

[@YaelEylatTanaka]

Unbelievable. Complex, thorough, mind blowing. I don't understand the half of it, much less able to implement it.

[@williamgregory1848]

I tried explaining the circle of fifths to a civilian and his nose literally started bleeding.

[@itisinickt]

because you explained it wrong? thats why you looked up a guide on how it works afterwards right?

[@jamesolamide3264]

😂😂😂😂

[@pascalfrancis2510]

@@itisinickt 😂😂

[@SalveRegina8]

😂😂😂

[@annette4660]

I just keep saying Wow, Wow, Wow, to every next thing he explains. Such an eye-opener!

[@solomonainui5015]

I've struggled with the circle of 5ths for quite some time but in 1 video you've unlocked it for me. Thank you so much Mike!

[@mlam4301]

Many people talked about the circle of fifth on KZbin, and you are the only one who provided the coolest graphics. So cool!

[@DNOWWOLF]

I am a retired engineer and only half way through the video. It is hands down the best and easiest to digest presentation I have seen in my study of music theory. Thank you, you speak to my linear mind.

[@petermartin5030]

Words and graphics are a model of clarity, thank you!

[@lamusica1592]

Brilliant, one of the best descriptions I've ever seen

[@mikegeorge360]

🙏🤘

[@garyd3725]

Your explanation of the circle of fifths was the best one I’ve found so far. I’m still confused but not as confused as before.

[@siegfriednln3403]

I am really at a loss as to why you do not get tens of thousands of views. I have been a musician for decades and I had NO idea how all of the aspects of your videos interrelate and wish I would have had these thirty years ago. Though I might play the same today, I sure would have understood what I was doing a whole lot better and maybe have been way more creative. Good on you Mike!

[@mikegeorge360]

Thank you for your feedback -- and I'm very glad you're here! More videos in the works. 🤘

[@charlenemisuraca3473]

yes. im just starting out on my music journey and this was great thanks!!!❤

[@MrMeasurement]

Best explanation!!!! Cheers from your viewer in 🇹🇭 Thailand

[@GaryBook]

I have never seen it explained any better. Genius. I subscribed.

[@mikegeorge360]

Awesome -- thank you, Gary. I'm so glad you're here. 🤘

[@GaryBook]

The graphics including the circular keyboard so brilliantly shows you the daisy chain relation. The giant loop makes it clear. The chord diagram clearly shows how you get the chords. I have never seen it so clearly explained. I have shared this video every where.

[@lozreeve2780]

Finally.... a video that shows how to use the circle of fifths in songwriting, not just the theory of it. This is by far the best video I've seen on the topic.

[@ebolds4918]

This explanation of the circle of fifths is both concise and brilliant👍🏾

[@leimaniax]

Excellent visual assistance for those of us who need it! Thank you for putting this together. Helped me plenty.🎉

[@mikegeorge360]

Awesome-I’m glad this is helpful!

[@babyzorilla]

This wheel just keeps getting creepier and creepier and I love it. Nice Job.

[@leighstrains7657]

After 30yrs of this blagging my head, it now makes complete sense. Putting the major circle in the middle makes it so much easier to understand. I’ve watched all the video’s and it’s all made sense. Even the spiral and pinching notes from other keys. It’s literally a eureka moment to me. 😳 The star sequence has explained even the orders of modes etc to me. Amazing teacher!

[@marshasmith4300]

Well done and very impressive! Thank you for your efforts!

[@monicaalbertson2106]

This is an amazing explanation and graphic representation of the circle of fifths. Color brings so much clarity for me as a visual learner. Can't wait to implement, thank you!

[@marklopez4526]

This IS fantastic. I like where everyone teaches the differences between the keys, you show how the notes and chords are shared by the keys. I.e. showing the relationships. I also like the superimposing the piano onto the the circle.

[@MJ-tg6wb]

I love Rick Beato, he's s great teacher... I have his whole book on Theory, but I'm blown away by your video. I've never understood it completely until now. I'ma Global Visual learner, so thank you. 🤯

[@nexuennex9151]

I have so much trouble understanding music theory even after making music for 35 years. This was fantastic. Thank you!

[@renanxavier6826]

I thought I had invented this circle exactly like this, and suddenly I come across this circle identical to mine. It's precisely the way I used to teach my students in the past.

[@Dave-nm3xc]

I've watched many different lessons on Circle of Fifths, and this is definitely the easiest to understand by a long shot. You are a gifted teacher! 🙌

[@sillygoose5171]

I thought I was an artist before I went hard into music. The color wheel is following me! I've got a basic understanding but I need to write out the circle myself to understand completely

[@mikegeorge360]

Very cool. Art is everywhere.

[@postwarmage2839]

Incredible video the amount of information dropped here is priceless.

[@PierreBellefeuille_Muse]

The most clever dynamic explanation I have ever seen. Congratulations!

[@Zama.]

Your illustrations and explanations are beyond good I’ve never seen anything like it 🤩 thank you!!!

[@ijohnny.]

Excellent lesson, love the practical application this system engenders. Thank you!

[@oscaroscar7904]

This channel has to have one of the easiest to understand music theory videos Iv come across I still dont understand everything since every music theory video feels like sitting through a math lessons lol, where the intrest kind of feel like itsiforced, but this channel and another one is the only ones who has been able to make me see how music theory can be used to see it in a practical way like how you can compose chord progression etc

[@johnd942]

George, you have to be congratulated on this presentation. (So) well done!

[@awwwwhhhyeahhhh]

This is without a doubt, the best explanation for the circle of fifths that I've seen. I've watched a few videos and was able to pick up pieces, like how to tell the number of accidentals in a key, but I did not know that the second half of a particular scale in the circle was the first half of it's neighbour, or how to use it to build chord progressions. I was beginning to think the circle of fifths was going to be something I'd get the gist for what it is and would never use, but now my mind is racing with various ways I can start implementing it!

[@williamtoon6021]

I too was one of those that knew there had to be inter-relationships between a given chord and related notes in the melody that went with them. This assemblage is such a cohesive group it has made the learning much easier. Thank you!

[@kamseatworld]

Agree

[@MariadelosABaez]

Eye opening info

[@lpa9974]

This is a perfect eye-opening explanation. I can’t wait for more similar videos. Thanks!

[@michaelw6277]

Wow, as someone who’s only been playing guitar for about six months this is incredible… makes it really easy to visualize it all.

[@SteveRockstein2]

I am so impressed with your presentation here that I subscribed to your community. As a self taught multi-instrumentalist, I have a feeling that it may be the best 36 bucks I ever spent.

[@mikegeorge360]

Thank you, Steve -- I am so happy you're in the community! 🤘

[@debbieholt8261]

As a Beginner, this video is way over my head, yet I do grasp parts of it. I know as my education continues, more of this content will resound with me. Thanks so much for your excellent and concise explanation and graphics. I plan to watch this video over and over and keep it for a reference.

[@mikegeorge360]

Very cool -- thank you, Debbie. This video is also a helpful intro: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3mXgmuNipqJgM0

[@stevieboi61]

thankyou. for me as a beginner this is the best layman explanation of how the circle of 5ths works. 👍

[@mikegeorge360]

Thanks! I'm glad this is helpful.

[@hoaphong9025]

I watched 2 of the popular videos with millions of views, it was pretty confusing. But your way of explaining along with visual aids really helped me understand this concept because it was explained so simply for a beginner like myself. This is EXACTLY what I've been missing and was looking for. Very well done!

[@AdrianOlivas_]

This is truly mindblowing!

[@chrisvandenbos9764]

This is precisely what I've been trying and failing to explain to my my students. Your usage of diagrams and the animations is extremely helpful. I will definitely be pointing them to this video. Thank you!

[@mikegeorge360]

Awesome -- thanks, Chris! I'm glad this is helpful. 🤘

[@RogueReplicant]

I've read sheet music since I was 8. I never learned the circle. I go and buy the songs I like and them play them on the piano and make my own arrangements for the guitar. Please tell me the benefit of learning this stuff, I don't see it.

[@andreasihlen6244]

@@RogueReplicant Sheet music/traditional notation is antiquated and is far less clear than superimposing the chromatic scale onto a clock face, for example. Seems odd that you didn't notice this 🤔 but musical notation is nevertheless useful.

[@RogueReplicant]

@@andreasihlen6244 Well excuuuuuuse moi for not noticing, but I'm not a studio musician, so how exactly will I benefit from learning this?

[@andreasihlen6244]

@@RogueReplicant I'm not a studio musician either but I like to figure songs out for myself, rather than simply reading someone else's notation. And this understanding of the circle of fifths is invaluable!

[@BsktImp]

The engaging chromatic (pun intended) approach to visualising the Cof5s aside, can we take a moment to appreciate the clean crisp animations too? 👏

[@mikegeorge360]

Thanks! (And I like the pun.)

[@RickySTanicky223]

I have watched a lot of music theory, this for me is the best there is, the explanation even the visual presentation. It felt like I just read a latest version of a book after reading old versions. Good job!

[@MistaToo]

This is superb,I started playing Piano 2020 and you have really demystified the 🎹 Keys through the cycles of fifths

[@dennisk5082]

Mike. A truly fine and concise education tool. Well done!!

[@craigfouche]

So clearly explained, thank you!

[@lewisyoung5705]

I've been learning music for over a decade and this is the most direct and simple explanation I've gotten of the circle of fifths. Subscribed!

[@AnirudhMurali9999]

good video, most of these teachers are goofy, but you're mature and sincere.

[@sirpatrickofgoober6603]

Outstanding work. Really first class teaching. Thank you.

[@hiey24]

Thank You Mike, it is amazing! The best explanation. Bravo!

[@rolandslullabies1449]

Best Circle of Fifths video I've come across. Thanks!

[@curtpiazza1688]

Great explanation! Thanx!

[@anilsia1962]

Absolutely mesmerising lesson. Thanks, brother.

[@KadeemsPerspective]

Thank you for the incredible knowledge! A huge wall has been broken down on my musical journey

[@philipp3174]

Oh wow. I'm 39yo now and finally have the feeling of at least a basic understanding of the circle of fifths now.. Thank you!

[@KalebPeters99]

Mike! My god this is fantastic man I've been working on a more fleshed out way of thinking about the circle of fifths and harmony in general. This has put into fantastic presentation much of what I've settled on I love your use of colour and visuals. This is the future of music education 🙏💕

[@mikegeorge360]

Thank you, Kaleb! I really appreciate your feedback. And it's cool to hear of your research into this stuff. I'm glad you are here!

[@crucommu1]

Your charts are awesome man. I can see clearly what you are telling me. Great lessons! Thanks!

[@ibalrog]

Very good video - I hadn't seen the overlapping keyboard concept before, nor the three rings of chords.

[@mikegeorge360]

I'm glad this helps -- and thanks for your feedback.

[@alruffini6948]

This is best explanation I have heard. Great job

[@novicetrader3005]

Usually, Musicians lack logic but with emotion. The scientists have logic but without emotion. This website makes scientists become musicians and vice versa...Great job!

[@davidfmgonzalez]

Best video on the subject, by far! Thank you very much!

[@BobHaikou]

This is by far the most helpful and useful music theory video I have ever seen. It has helped me so, so, so much!!! Thank you. I will give this link to everyone I can.

[@girmaybass68]

Thank you for explaing this diagram more clearly!

[@mikeywulff3766]

Keys into Colour. Thank you so much, first video of yours I've seen can't wait to get stuck into some more of your content. :)!

[@marcedwarddeguzman8483]

❤ i learned so much from this. I’ve been looking for this kind of explanation. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge.

[@Iconoplastt]

Very concise explanation Mike, loved the vid!

[@mikegeorge360]

Thanks!

[@dogbone1065]

Finally, after so many videos explaining it, this was the one right from the beginning that I finally understand it. Great job.👍

[@RyanSalisburyMusic]

Such an incredible video! Should be a standard for all musicians to understand. Really helped make things very clear for me. Thanks!

[@1436am]

just bought a circle of 5th tool! best purchase I've made since i bought my house!

[@geestman9]

Blows my mind! Awesome video, thanks!

[@helmutschillinger3140]

Good graphics. Very few music instructors have that ability. That’s good! You should either get someone to create an app for this, and or market these graphics as plastic disks with clear rotatable overlays. I am starting to do the designs on hardware already.

[@mikegeorge360]

Thanks for your feedback. Definitely more to come on this. Cheers.

[@oscalicious1805]

Finally makes sense! Thank you

[@miracleviewer9827]

The best explanation so far! Thank you will much!

[@Calatriste54]

I look forward to watch again, more carefully.. Wow!

[@michaelanderson3172]

This is by far the best video on the Circle of 5ths. This cleared up a lot for me. Brilliant job Mike!!!

[@Kblmquist]

The first time I was introduced to the circle of 5ths it was the new one you showed, but it was still introduced to me as a way to show the key signature and there related minor and diminished keys. I love puzzles and something about it intrigued me. I studied it for hours and found what you talked about and chords and just a lot of interesting things. I was recently talking to a very talented musician friend who went to college for music. He said I was the first person he has ever meet who was excited about the circle of 5ths. I still feel like it has some secrets that we haven’t found yet. To me it’s a really cool musical puzzle and helper when I need to find certain answer quickly. I just really love the circle of 5ths and all the musical things you can find because it’s all connected.

[@HyperTheKappa]

Genuinely opens doors for songwriting for me, I find that having a more meta perspective on the structure of harmonics is the fastest way to find chord progressions that sound a specific way. Thank you!

[@antonsims3176]

Mike. I am a musician that plays bass. I have decided that I am going on a life run with the bass. I need this lesson, understanding and application.Thank you.

[@ภาคินวัฒนะชัยกุล]

สอนดีมาก แผนผัง circle of fifth ดีมาก ๆ ชัดเจน ดูง่าย นำไปใช้สะดวก ขอบคุณ​มาก​ครับ​🧡🙏

[@outtabubblegum7034]

THIS is what I have been looking for!!

[@pcuimac]

Love your depiction of music theory. It seems you came to the same critcisms and conclusions I ended up with. In Germany it's even worse, because most educators use the german notes AHCDEFG! So B->H and 'H sharp' -> B. The legend is that some german monk did copy notes and got the english names for the notes wrong. For hundreds of years Germans now learn a wrong naming that makes it more complicated and destroys the ability to easily learn music from anglo-saxon sources. Thankfully this is changing now, because most products are derived from US and UK music scores and nobody wants to make a special german version.

[@IJH-Music]

If you made a video about parallel modes with circle of 5ths, you should put in in the description of your video

[@caffeinato]

I've got a background in chemistry and have just picked up guitar for the first time so new to this topic, but I'm reminded of how the periodic table had to go through a couple revisions, and lo and behold, the modern periodic table is not just a list which *technically* contains all the relevant information, but is laid out to group elements by their structural/behavioural relationships to one another. Portraying information in diagrams is an art in and of itself, but is such a powerful tool for understanding when done well. This explanation was really good, I think most of it sunk in the first time! Definitely printing out this pallete version of the circle of fifths, thanks for this!

[@zepplondon]

Amazing content. Very insightful. Thx a lot

[@mikegeorge360]

Very cool -- thanks!

[@bulletsmichael]

Thank you!

[@1ouncebird]

Hey there! This is very nicely done. Well presented. Really helps explain this tool. Thanks much.

[@mikegeorge360]

Awesome! Thanks for your feedback.🤘

[@Pill-AI]

Thank you very clearly explained!!

[@jmichell1880]

Thanks so much. As painter (and particularly a colorist!) who's trying to learn music, this makes me so happy and makes so much sense. Amazing.

[@scottblair9856]

Absolutely brilliant tutorial

[@sergemoktali7948]

Vous devriez avoir bien plus d'abonnés très cher. Votre approche est incroyablement pertinente! Merci

[@mikegeorge360]

Je suis très heureux que cela soit utile et que vous soyez ici. Parlez-en à vos amis!

[@kidwolfman]

Nice visuals man, very helpful 👍

[@mikegeorge360]

Thanks!

[@crystal-tyme974]

Thank you. I have been searching for this information for years.

[@kathleenking47]

I've been playing with the circle of 5ths..like playing C, G, D etc It sounds like I've heard this in BACKGROUND MUSIC in some drama We forget, or let it slide, that television dramas, especially from 40 years ago, had music in background...with piano and strings Sometimes, theyll play a few notes of theme song..but cant be too tonal ..yo overtake dialogue

[@rick5489]

Awesome! What commitment to produce something as meaningful as this.

[@sureshpai2469]

Wonderful 👌. Excellent demonstration👍👌

[@marceloBAdARI]

Awesome explanation! Specially for an amateur musician with a visual background like me.

[@forexdynamicx]

Wow 😳...eye opening