The Circle of Fifths Explained

[@varrickWRLCK]

I've just started learning music production and music theory and your videos are so helpful!! The animations make it super easy to understand! Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@bra1ncrack3r34]

not gonna lie i went through the struggle of self teaching myself this stuff a while back, and now this comes out (ahh the irony) the way Pierce explains this stuff is brilliant! His understanding must be incredible to explain it so simply (einstein?) Thanks for these video, i cant imagine the animation wouldve been easy either, but it definately pays off!

[@rdake4542]

Yeah, and all it took was me to watch the video 5 times

[@juanversion3922]

5 times...yes.. 😁

[@noiz6198]

Every circle of fifths video I watch leaves me more confused then before. Thank you for the video though…

[@FirstLast-nn2bj]

It's called the circle of fifths because I'll have to circle back and re-watch this five times in order to under stand it.

[@pierceporterfield6327]

Honestly accurate! I had this in mind when I made the video. My issue with a lot of youtube content is that it spreads out very little information into a a 14+ min long video. Personally I would rather condense the info into a smaller amount of time and encourage the viewer to watch it again

[@maslina10]

@@pierceporterfield6327 Pierce, I can't find a place in the video where it would be clarified that two adjacent notes on the circle of fifths are a fifth apart--which is why it is called a circle of fifths. I understand you don't want to spend long saying little, but consider how much you are really conveying: the intervals between every two consecutive notes in a major scale, a shift along the same note pattern to form the relative minor of that scale, why the "circle of fifths" is called that (did you actually explain this?), and the fact that our reference point on the circle is not the top note (which is what everybody is used to, since you use the clock analogy) but the one corresponding to 11 o'clock. And all this in 6 minutes. The segments that were too fast cognitively the first time around remain so however many times you watch them again. Besides, I didn't even understand the transition to the flats and the left part of the clock. You acknowledge that "the business with flats is confusing," but the subsequent information (e.g., F# = Gb), instead of clarifying, only adds more to be processed and integrated into the preceding material. Thanks for making the video, of course.

[@NathanThomson]

Yeah the pace of the information given here is about 3x too fast for me

[@hkguitar1984]

@@pierceporterfield6327 I'm honestly going to force myself to watch this as many times until I grasp what is happening. I much prefer the trimmed down shorter video, for that I thank you.

[@gracebeckwith1256]

Haha, me too!

[@mykeready3742]

I’ve just started to learn piano. This video has made things more complicated than I could ever have imagined.

[@jonathancohen7196]

Don't worry about it! Just play beginner songs you like for now, build a feel for the instrument and enjoy it. Over time you'll take this stuff in in pieces

[@newmanfertig886]

It’s an awful presentation. Stupid.

[@andreciagl]

Lmaooo

[@b.titaniumm]

me too.

[@MsTessG]

My advice when learning piano? Don't start with too much theory. Train your ear, learn your scales and practice them. Let theory come later or you will kill your enthusiasm. Music should come from the heart first and foremost not the brain.

[@MMfish_]

Bro my fifth eye is open

[@oursexbecameaboxer]

Yo, close that stank hole up before someone catches a charge. Ya gonna have to permanently wink that thang before you cause some good people to fuck around and end up on the list.

[@yourbrother5304]

Underrated comment. 😂😂😂

[@MMfish_]

@@yourbrother5304 I'm so corny haha

[@kripaleelarajan3210]

😂😂😂

[@GoogleUser-wz1il]

I'm gonna cry... PIERCE THE WORLD DON'T DESERVE A HUMAN WITH A HEART THIS GOLD 😭 Thank you very much, mate! Your videos gives off a "history of the entire world, i guess" vibes. Keep up the good works!

[@facepalm9300]

“By the end of this video, you’re going to understand the circle of fifths” Me: is that challenge? I am unimaginably stupid.

[@cynthiajoy8082]

This video sucks and he proves himself a liar.

[@marucookies1177]

Hey Pierce, I know I’m a year late but I’ve just gotta express my thanks to you. I’ve been playing guitar for 6 years and in the back of my mind always wanted to get a better grasp of theory. Back when I was first introduced to the circle of fifths, I was COMPLETELY confused and it sort of drew me out of music for a bit. About a year ago I’ve come back more enthusiastic than ever, but theory has still been a thorn in my side. Until now! Man, your videos about chord progressions and tonality have been so incredibly helpful and inspiring to me as an aspiring musician, and I just want to express my thanks to you. You’re doing great, man.

[@uniworkhorse]

I'm still a little confused, but the mographs definitely helped me understand it a little bit more! Will have to rewatch!

[@papii1197]

I can legitimately say I wouldn’t have learned how to use the circle properly without this video

[@KC-mj8uz]

I think some beginners will struggle to understand what you’re sharing. It’s harder for a beginner to keep track of your explanations and examples because you’re going through it fairly quickly.

[@xpeterpeter5395]

yeah agreed no offence

[@kinoko87_b]

Agreed. Was not able to keep up unfortunately. Still helped me understand some stuff though!

[@jadomarwignal4183]

Beginner got to explore it piece by piece first level would be the pattern of the major scale that will then enlighten them to the next level

[@Mango56902]

as a beginner this is absolutely true…

[@AmityHardstyle]

As not a beginner, I still don't understand the circle of fifths after watching this video once 😭

[@joshs6536]

Holy shit, someone finally explained this to me in a way that made sense. You’re great dude, subscribed.

[@AmelAmaruRestrepoCasas]

You're seriously wonderfull at teaching and communicating. Please don''t stop.

[@pierceporterfield6327]

This comment made my day thank you

[@AmelAmaruRestrepoCasas]

@@pierceporterfield6327

[@guimazone]

man, you said everything

[@elijahlay5860]

* Wonderful * Don't

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

This might be the most valuable video on the internet. I honestly can’t believe I watched this for free. Amazing work! 🙌🏻

[@ocea1911]

Every time I come back looking for magic info on the circle of fifths I finally remember what the magic in it is and I've only seen one video point this out, which I can't find anymore. The closer keys are in the circle of fifths, the easier you can use them in relation to the preceding key without it sounding weird or off. It's basically a useful guide for making interesting music. If you play a C M7 and then a G M7, you'll see what I mean. The 7th note in G major isn't in the same key, but it still sounds good. C is right next to G in the circle. The single note is enough to be interesting without sounding like a fly in your soup. Then try C M7 and D M7, sounds great, 2 note difference and those two notes are in the D M7 chord. You can also play the D M7 with the G M7 and even make them minor for interesting variations. The possibilities are massive. Experimenting with this gives me the feeling I'm playing real music.

[@charlesurdy-barnes413]

I believe the video you are referring to may be "The Circle of 5ths in 12 minutes" Guy Michelmore @ 2:39. I could not follow this video. It is good, I am sure for some, but for me. I am not sure I am following the count from F rather than from C. I couldn't follow after that even though I tried. However, I did learn something that I didn't know. Glad though that your comment led me to search and Guy Michelmore seems to explain what I as a songwriter and performer need to know.

[@KuzeyAAlkn]

This is honestly the first video I watched on music theory where I actually understood anything at all, let alone all of it. Both the mastery of articulation as well as the way on-screen graphics support it are perfect. I’m sure your channel will grow huge!

[@n4ko]

man, they way you animate this videos makes it soo much easier to understand. thx you very much =)

[@MobiusCoin]

Straight to the point and very clear. And not even a sponsorship! What a perfect video.

[@marion_roberts]

Plus points for the use of that very strange effect, the Mandelbrot. Great info as always, I see why this took a bit of time.

[@pierceporterfield6327]

I love that someone got the Mandelbrot reference already!

[@piqton]

i see you aren't uploading as much anymore. I've just found your videos and they are the EXACT info density, clarity and "to the pointness" i need. Don't ever stop

[@rhylieanderson7278]

i’ve watched several videos on this and even though i don’t yet fully comprehend it, this was the best explanation so far.

[@chandanaharim5837]

Wow! am blown away! You've just de-mystified what my music teachers and my music-high friends always talk to each other about.. I feel like I've just got INSIDER INFORMATION !!

[@pierceporterfield6327]

This is literally the whole reason I do this! So good to hear :)

[@badday4885]

I have no idea how this only has 38K views. This is like some top level stuff. I have been so confused for so long! Thank you!!

[@lukasc2621]

Man keep on doing what you're doing this is great

[@paulaklc5883]

the editing in this is insane, thank you so much!!

[@StevenDoesStuff]

Something about your editing and sound effects make me feel high AF but it's satisfying

[@vinayakmalkari]

Woah!! Watched all the KZbin regarding this and you just demystified in less than 6 Minutes, Legend!

[@thomaswitney365]

For remembering a major scale, my band teacher said the skips go in this order 'Whole whole half whole whole whole half", referring to the steps you take between each note. If you say it out loud it's kinda catchy, makes it easy to remember

[@TheTipsyRooster]

It's called "The Circle of Fifths" because clearly, anyone trying to understand it and put it into use will... 1. Watch every video on KZbin about how to learn and understand it. 2. Scratch their head in complete confusion. 3. Watch all the videos again. 4. Struggle to understand yet again but still REALLY want to learn it. And finally reach the "Fifth" step... 5. Buy a "5th" of alcohol and drink the whole thing in hopes that a drunken stupor will help ease the confusion and pain. Only to start the process all over again (Hence the name the "Circle of Fifth" [Which actually refer to the alcohol]) No wonder most rock stars are alcoholics! It all finally makes sense!!! (Except the circle of fifths part... still)

[@potcha]

The promise that I would understand this at the end was not met. Holy fuck you are able to make extremely complex concepts sound like they are pure common sense. I would need a lot more background music knowledge to grasp this the first time around

[@litink120]

This is the most simple, understandable, straightforward, and just overall one of the best made KZbin videos. Thanks for the help!

[@cardo_theonly]

I knew the basics of the circle of fifths, but your video broke down even more theory I was previously unaware of. Thank you so much

[@grishatheman6228]

How do you not have more subs, seriously thats the first time I kinda understood it

[@nethstar]

Well, damn. Someone finally did it. Someone finally explained the Circle of 5ths to me like I'm 5 (isn't that ironic) without a whole bunch of jargon and I understood it. I feel like so many other "total beginner" explanations gloss over why it's actually called "5ths" what the relative note means, and it's relation to the scale, where you should count sharps and flats etc. Kudos. Also great production value. Always like a good animated explainer.

[@tonyronii]

this has genuinely been the best tutorial I've seen on this platform

[@jonathansevoro1845]

I don't know if you're still checking comments three years later. This is the only video I've watched that finally made the circle of fifths click for me. Thank you

[@aaCASEY130xx]

You, sir, are an amazing teacher. Thank you.

[@aidanthepanda1473]

i hate how it's such a well made video but my brain is too slow to process it

[@pierceporterfield6327]

Just watch it multiple times and pause that’s what I was hoping for the viewer. I go faster because I don’t want to waste peoples time if it’s not necessary

[@aidanthepanda1473]

@@pierceporterfield6327 ok i understand now. the not wasting time thing is why you deserve more views. keep doing what you're doing

[@nawflalo]

@@aidanthepanda1473 dude same here. I just thought I was too slow to learn this

[@Stefano_Rodriguez]

It’s not your brain. This video made it more difficult to understand. It actually made it more complicated than it’s used to be. Go look at other videos. There are tons better videos than this.

[@PakkiNakki]

it’s way too fast, yeah. i had to pause and rewind too many times but i found the video helpful

[@ScottishKoreanCellist]

Your channel for animations needs to be in every school around the world.

[@pes3ta]

Maaaan ur content is so good, it truly deserves more than what it recives!!

[@pierceporterfield6327]

Feel free to share it around! Reddit always blocks my posts because it’s “original content / self promotion”

[@jensoh]

@@pierceporterfield6327 reddit mods are psychopaths lmaooo.. have u posted on r/musictheory ? i’m almost certain jens larsen post his OC there with no problem

[@pierceporterfield6327]

@@jensoh I do try to post in music theory but the people there hate me lmao, I end up arguing in the comments 😂

[@jensoh]

@@pierceporterfield6327 sorry if im telling u shit u already know but.. /r/wearethemusicmakers and /r/bedroompop could also be potentially good places to post... either way dude ur content is seriously well made as hell and professional enough that ur on track to blowing up

[@pierceporterfield6327]

@@jensoh thank you so much 🙏 I’ve never posted in bedroom pop with that’s definitely something I’ll check out

[@blatantcan]

I've been trying to understand the circle of 5ths for a long time and this video finally broke it down in a way that makes sense to me.

[@VillainsWearBlack]

Everyone says this is the best easiest video to understand, so I now know there is no hope for me 😭😂

[@bread7809]

that animation is so beautiful, exactly what i searched for.

[@TheDantheman12121]

Omg I finally understand this. I wish i could say it was all down to this video but I have watched so many things last couple days. My main point I was stuck was just understanding the whole point of it. I understood the circle of 5ths but I could not wrap my head around the thing as a whole when it comes to actual playing and music.

[@Longer_art]

Im a music student and bro was I sooooo confused about this when we learnt it in class. this video has made it sooo much clearer than before. I'm still not an expert but this boosted my understanding in ways one cant imagine. thank you soo much for the great explanation my guy

[@cerbenkoc]

I started learning music theory when covid started. I play the guitar for 20 years. I wanted to understand the concept of this circle, but couldn't understand the concept from the videos I have seen yet. Now I don't have to look for a video about this topic again. Thanks!

[@mattbluh6903]

Bro the explanation of the sixth note being the one that resumes the scale from the major blew my mind

[@scorpiorising1778]

just throwing this out there cause it helped me understand it a little better. instead of thinking of major scale as skip a note and such at 0:17 think of major scale as whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half skips (w, w, h, w, w, w, h). For minor scale think of it as whole half whole whole half whole whole skip (w h w w h w w) might seem a little weird but helped me visualize it better while playing :) btw you are awesome at explaining it, it took me a little to fully understand some parts because smooth brain but overall it’s amazing keep up the good work ❤️

[@pierceporterfield6327]

Great comment and thank you! The reason I chose skip vs whole half is because the word "skip" has more intrinsic meaning to the average viewer. While whole and half are undoubtedly the correct terms - they can be an unnecessary gate to understanding

[@cgmaniac44]

Thanks for the video! I've played by ear my whole life but over the years I keep dipping my toes into music theory... trying to understand the basics first. This is so cool how you expounded on the major scale pattern and showed the 5ths relation to #'s as you move through... And representing that on the Circle of 5ths. I get it but I don't. I'm still wrapping my head around it. Your explanation is perfect for someone like myself. It will take time to sink in, but I already have a better understanding after watching a few of your vids. SUBSCRIBED! I guess my biggest blind spot regarding this information, is how it can help me in the bigger picture. I have used the circle of 5ths and deciphered to my own understanding and have found moments where it offered me an interesting path when writing a song, but I'm not sure how it could help or hinder my creative process. I suppose that writing and playing by ear my whole life has been a free and open way for me to explore without feeling boxed in by rules... yet not understanding these patterns and how they all relate has also hindered me in knowing my fretboard better and from being able to explain in musical terms with other musicians just exactly what the hell I'm doing on a song. I digress... thank you for putting this together!

[@LexaaaHeree]

I know nothing about piano but am starting to honor my love for music. I found your videos and really appreciate your explanations thank you!!

[@Scott-hy3gs]

The explanation is clear yet amusing, and the graphic is full of meme-like clips to hold your attention in background explanation yet informative and helpful in crucial moments. This video is really excellent.

[@astralyd]

Thank you so much ! I had to come back many times to this and I finally get it

[@OGAndizzo]

I learned piano, played the cycle countless times and never knew why other than 'hurr durr I can play all teh chords' So thank you for explaining... Ima need to rewatch this quite a bit.

[@paperclip_rodeo]

I’ve literally been struggling so bad with this and it finally is starting to click. I may cry

[@pierceporterfield6327]

It’s okay to cry ❤️

[@davidk.8275]

These are incredibly high quality videos. Reminds me of those TED animations. Thank you!

[@dianaurian1303]

This is incredibly helpful! I’ve been trying to understand this for so long and now I feel like I’ll never forget how to use the circle of fifths. Thank you!

[@caimisclips]

THANK YOU! Finally, I am able to understand how this circle of fifths work..

[@henrymadden5340]

This helps to understand notes a little better now...thanks. Im gonna re watch for a revision.

[@JasonGoldstein78]

I've been watching many different videos, not beating myself up for not grasping this entirely the first time and just letting the info soak in at it's own rate while mixing with what I'm experiencing as I compose. Another awesome little piece dropped in Just now. I've noticed when I start a song on a particular note. There are only certain notes that sound 'right' in my progression and melodies. I'll try to stay on the "whole" notes but sometimes sharps or flats work better. Now I understand why. Thank you for taking the time to make this, for free at your expense of time. Someday, I hope to be able to do the same.

[@richardcaulker1017]

Every time someone promises that his lesson is guaranteed to make something clear, it raises my hopes so that afterwards I end up feeling more stupid than I was before I watched it. I'll just have to keep searching.

[@astha_yadav]

1:47 "so then, in the peak era of graphic design - the 1600s" i love your humor and style xD

[@thomasfrade3727]

The best music theory videos i've ever seen. would have never learned piano the way i did without them. Thank you

[@maxe493]

Thanks I just learned more from this then an hour of music theory in school

[@nayaleezy]

for some reason this was not helpful

[@chrisw.7039]

Best explanation of the circle of 5ths. Thank you

[@feethebunny]

I finally get it! I never thought it would be so simple either. Thank you! Oh, and The Midlife Synthesist sent me over, so yeah, I'll have to go back and thank him too.

[@kassidiandrus1849]

I had never even heard of the circle of 5ths before, thank you so much!

[@ethosguy3593]

Phenomenal production quality and delivery.

[@tatarsauce6314]

Tryna strike a chord and it’s prolly 4:43

[@nomnom2458]

Thankyou sm for these videos i went into music igcse course knowing shit all and you’ve become a beacon of light

[@issafarah4665]

You just blew my mind🤯 I finally understand it! Thank you!

[@sethd2738]

Yes. Indeed, I do now understand the general basics of the circle of fifths. Kudos

[@BrianAndersonTT]

Amazing presentation. You hit the nail on the head of this mind-blowing topic.

[@MegaSpeaker101]

Great animations! Really helped breakdown and visual, mind blowing stuff!

[@trulsjuniordanielsen4009]

I WISH U HAD MUCH MORE SUBS! SO NICE ANIMATIONSSS

[@manghudart1329]

Thank you so much! Have a blessed day! Stay safe always!

[@Lyle_Plays]

This is a really freaking good video. You really managed to explain it well!! thank you!

[@externity9569]

Been playing guitar for over a decade, had several music teachers, know all my scales (Major and minor in sharps and flats) and this still isn't making sense. I don't get anything your saying to be honest and the Circle of fifths doesn't make any sense to me still, even with my guitar lesson book .. which just shows a picture of it but doesn't explain it at all in my teacher's book.. telling me my teacher doesn't know how to describe it. No teacher has ever been able to explain the circle of fifths when I ask. I just get beat around responses like "oh it's too much to think about right now, just keep practicing your scales and enharmonic notes and keys."

[@coolsaucekatt]

thank you, i like that this video is a little short so I can take notes better, it helps me :)

[@braxtonwalker5923]

Thank you so much for this, mate! The way you so clearly explain it just gets boiled onto my hard-drive right away! Can't wait to apply this newfound knowledge for future use!

[@modernmusicstudio303]

I like the visuals you used to explain the circle of 5ths! Unlike any other tutorial I have seen. Great job!

[@crychan]

had me. then it lost me. started reeling me back in... boom. nada. watching some of it again helped me understand the order of sharps, so i will do the same to try and learn order of flats and how the circle works! thank you for the amazing and educational video!

[@fermypoo]

It’s like someone said “this is easier” and we all played along

[@marcelmiagi4579]

This video was perfect for me. I felt like a caveman trying to understand it before. This made it simple. Nice work man.

[@sammi1057]

When it takes you an hour to write notes on everything, and fully walk through the video to understanding.

[@thomasmuigai9935]

Great job on the circle of 5ths. The mirror of 5ths/4ths and it's universal mnemonic device is an alternative for those who will find the circle of 5ths a bit intimidating. The book the mirror of 5ths/4ths decoding the circle after 300+ years explains how the mirror works in details.

[@designlychallenged8898]

HOW IS THIS YOUR VIDEO WITH THE LEAST VIEWS I SEEN? You are a channel who deserves constantly having more views than subscribers though. Also, you give me a very bill wurtz vibe. (the guy who made the entire history of the world i guess), but you very much have your own thing going.

[@pierceporterfield6327]

Thank you, I love Bill Wurtz and making learning fun! I would hope that, as more people find the topic, this video makes it more attainable

[@bux77]

Found you through The Midlife Synthesist. Great channel you have here.

[@MurphyIsMyLastName]

God these are so impressively well done. Great work, and thanks for the all the effort.

[@prodbenjiii]

IM SO HAPPYYY YOU´RE UPLOADING VIDS AGAINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN LOOOVE U

[@WildBillCox13]

I just want to thank you for the thumbnail, of all things. Looking at it I realized that, if you read it widdershins, it's a CIRCLE OF FOURTHS! So cool! To think I never thought of it. I'm dumb.

[@trashpattydave]

Great video one of the best on circle of 5th on KZbin. Also the editing and animations are great!

[@metalore]

1:10 No idea what this graphic is supposed to show. Why do the later unused notes in the scale also start looking red so it's difficult to tell them apart? A few seconds later you are talking about the one note that is different, but the arrows are pointing at notes that are still the same!

[@codydion5588]

man that opened the circle of fifths to me. right on thanks for the video

[@TheCarGuy--]

Thie video is just gold! So well done!!! Appreciate it ಥ_ಥ

[@GhostOfJulesVerne]

The info in this video is super dense. I had to watch it several times to follow your reasoning.

[@dixiepan8538]

That really clarified all the confusion.

[@Opaqs]

Thank you so much for making this video, why does school not teach this, you are amazing!

[@aunimjoarder]

Dude what a video! Really impressed!

[@MonaamiPal]

this video is wonderful! keep doing this great work! best wishes!❤️

[@voidwatchdeerlord2598]

very underrated video. awesome stuff man.