The Circle of Fifths Explained for Guitar | How to ACTUALLY Understand The Circle of 5ths on guitar

This in-depth Animated Lesson on The Circle of fifths for guitarists will show you How to actually Understand/memorize and use the Circle of fifths - this is the circle of fifths explained for guitar. The circle of 5ths is a useful tool for guitar and is really easy to understand. the circle of fifths has many uses such as working out what chords sound good together - what chords are in a key how to use the circle of fifths as a guitarist to help you write more interesting chord progressions borrowing chords from other keys on the circle of fifths and also understanding how many sharps and flats are in each key and what the names of the sharps and flats in a key are using the order of sharps and flats. the circle of 5ths will also help you know which scales to use over different chord progressions when improvising on guitar and which keys are more related than others. overall the circle of 5ths is worth investing your time into and this guitar lesson will show you how to actually understand memorize and use the circle of 5ths with a very useful animated circle of fifths chart... this is the circle of fifths explained for guitarists!
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Why is it called the Circle of Fifths?
0:30 5th intervals explained
0:45 the circle of Fifths (outer circle)
0:56 the circle of fourths (outer circle)
1:17 Enharmonic Equivalent Keys
1:45 How many sharps in a key?
2:13 How many flats in a key?
2:44 Which Sharps and flats are in a key?
3:38 The order of sharps
4:09 The order of Flats
5:08 Why are only some keys are written as enharmonic equivalents?
6:25 THEORETICAL KEYS!!
7:37 Double sharps + double flats
8:03 The inner circle (minor keys)
8:19 The Relative minor Explained
8:56 Quick Trick for finding the relative minor on guitar
9:18 relative minor keys around the circle of fifths
9:51 Chords in a key using the circle of 5ths
11:06 Chords in Different Keys
11:31 Writing songs in minor keys
11:45 Different method for finding the chords in a key
12:16 Borrowing Chords from other keys (more interesting chord progressions)
12:37 The parallel minor explained
13:17 How to improvise over Borrowed chords?
13:50 How to key change using the circle of fifths
14:20 PIVOT CHORDS
14:49 Circle of Fifths Merch
#circleof5ths #circleof5thsguitar #circleoffifths #samjamguitar #circleoffifthsexplained #circleoffifthsforguitarists

[@Samjamguitar]

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[@euhm5475]

because of this amazing dude i finally know the path to learn any song just by binge watching all his videos, all i have to do now is practice

[@Samjamguitar]

Much appreciated 👌

[@jack6136]

Yes 👍! I have to say that practice is crucial for a musician. It may sound obvious but I was just on a Jazz Brunch Gig and I learned Someone To Watch Over Me. We had a guest singer who played the song in a different KEY! 😳 Well I struggled with the tune from start to finish and I was miserable with everything about it! The point is the right practice would have been amazing rather than the struggle on stage in front of an audience! Not Fun !!

[@danielvitalis1858]

@@Samjamguitar Nice

[@danielgomessilva8966]

On point. His vídeo are top. Best really

[@JAHLife]

hahaha yeah totally. Watching videos help the brain with understanding but then it still comes to actual playing to build the muscle memory and dexterity. Good luck my friend!!

[@AcidDragonGraugh]

I honestly think that this level of communication is a talent. Circle Of Fifths is challenging and I suffer from ADHD, but your explanation, clarity and demonstration made me keep eyes on the video the whole time. Obviously it's hard to learn in one go, so expect me returning over and over until it is solid in my head. In the name of all students, thank you for your efforts man, you're AMAZING!

[@Samjamguitar]

Cheers! I really appreciate it👌👌

[@st33Npuist]

This! So true.

[@JAHLife]

I couldn't agree more. I'm ADHD myself and OCD so having this explanation really allowed sooooo many light bulbs to turn on. Thank you!!!

[@deltaid1439]

I 1000% agree after all this time samjamguitar is one of guitar youtuber that i understand whilst explaining. This is my favorite channel now!

[@vanjajaja1]

This is why I love this channel. I've watched 45 minute videos about CAGED that made no sense and @Samjamguitar explains it perfectly in 4 minutes. Incredible.

[@DanielTartarottiSobrosa]

Man, I've watched a lot of theory videos and no one could explain so much concepts using only the circle of 5ths like you do. It's certainly the best theory video. Thanks.

[@Samjamguitar]

Happy to help!

[@jaym0ney_]

No other video, guide, or teacher was able to explain how amazing the circle of fifths actually is better than you just did in the past 15 minutes. I had no idea there was this much information packed into such a simple diagram! Definitely gonna be binge watching your videos now, they’re so helpful!

[@Samjamguitar]

Wow, thanks!

[@devinreed4650]

Absolutely amazing content in this video!!! I can say that after watching hours of COF videos on KZbin, I have never understood the circle of fifths better than I do now. Explained so much about it that I had never heard before, in such a simple, digestible way. I just discovered your channel a couple days ago, and I gotta say I really am enjoying learning so easily from your channel, keep this up!👍🏻🔥🎸🎶

[@Samjamguitar]

Thats brilliant!! Really appreciate the kind words👍

[@matteogiberti3297]

Simply the BEST explanation of that circle I ever heard! I knew of it but never known what was the purpose. Only remember it was quickly mentioned by some guitar teacher years ago... As always THANK YOU!

[@Samjamguitar]

Hey Matteo! Thanks👍 I certainly put a tonne of effort into making this the most comprehensive Lesson on the circle of 5ths as possible...so Really pleased you enjoyed it! I plan to reference the circle of 5ths in future videos so needed a lesson on this so that viewers didn't have to go elsewhere to get a full understanding of the circle👌 thanks once again!

[@icq4t42]

Best explanation on KZbin. I’ve seen so many on this subject and there always appeared to be something lacking in their descriptions. Finally I’m able to clear my Circle of 5ths folder and just have the one reference. I was hoping to have an early night, but now it looks like I’ll be up watching the rest of this channel’s videos. Great presentation with professional colour coded diagrams.

[@jasonesty3880]

I have never seen the Circle of 5ths so expertly explained! Fantastic job!!!!

[@Samjamguitar]

Wow, thank you!

[@TannaDaHamma]

Up until this video I had a very loose understanding of the Circle of Fifths, I knew it could be used as a quick reference for chords in a key and the like but everywhere else Ive seen it explain just didn't quite click. But the way you put made a light bulb go off in my head and suddenly I got it. I love the way you format these lessons.

[@Samjamguitar]

Excellent! Glad it helped and welcome to the channel!

[@nicolasmecaj]

And wonderful tool to memorize basically the rules of progressions! Wonderful sir

[@waynemorrison5792]

Love your videos! I have found them very helpful, and your presentation style and brevity has been on point with what I need to and how I learn. Thanks!

[@Samjamguitar]

Thanks Wayne👌🙂👌

[@sonja7288]

I've had music lessons in school for many years and we spoke about the circle of fifths a lot. I never understood it properly. Now I watched a 15 minutes video and it all makes sense.

[@Samjamguitar]

Great!

[@Sarcastrophus]

"Father Chuck Gets Down And Eats Bacon." That's how I've always remembered the order of sharps

[@Samjamguitar]

Definitely! Whatever works for you 👍

[@donk.5730]

Your presentation is fantastic. Explanation is clear and to the point. Well organized. I hope most musicians (or aspiring like me) see this. You have talent for organizing and you're a great instructor. Thank you, DK.

[@Samjamguitar]

Thanks for appreciating the effort that gets put into all the videos on my channel! This means alot👍 feel free to share the channel around and if you ever feel like supporting the channel further consider becoming a Patron to get access to exclusive Tabs/Lessons etc (link in description) Thanks once again!

[@JAHLife]

Some small part of me wants to play devil's advocate and say the voice is so monotone - however, I think that actually plays a positive impact so... nothing negative from this side. I'm super stoked to be Subscribed to this genius Samjamguitar

[@guitarandbass1995]

This is probably the most useful video I have watched about the circle of 5ths and the only one that actually makes sense. Very well explained and not confusing at all.

[@andrewksadventures]

You have a much better and clearer way of explaining things than most other channels I've watched. Cheers!

[@user-kb1hw2yq2f]

As a biginner guitar player, I've watched at least a dozen Circle of Fifths videos. This one is by far the best one and covers things that NONE of the others did!! Thank you!

[@Samjamguitar]

Wow, thanks!

[@katratah08]

So glad that I found this. This is exactly what Ive been lookin fer. Those visualizations associated with concise explanations? I bet that it is easier to understand than some other videos. You made us much easier to learn using some methods like this. Much easier to put it to my memory palace. Thanks man

[@Samjamguitar]

You're very welcome!

[@user-ut4hj7kc1t]

You are frekin genius! U r the first one for a long time who did explain this!

[@Samjamguitar]

Glad I could help!

[@AndrewSacoman]

Again you just explained this in a clearer and more digestible way than I’ve ever seen before. Most people stop on how the tool works and fail to show how you actually use it. A+

[@Samjamguitar]

Thanks!

[@jamiefollese]

You have by far the best educational content of anyone I have ever seen in my life.

[@Samjamguitar]

Thanks Jamie! Really appreciate it👍

[@johnm3946]

Thank you, I play with my friends often and anything to make the jams go smoother is appreciated. This chart is gonna get drawn on a big sheet of paper to practice with.

[@Anima_EB]

Very helpful. Great job giving so many options and ways to read the circle, it helps to relate everything together.

[@Samjamguitar]

Thanks Kyle, appreciate it👍

[@angminhchau9752]

this video is so good. the way you present all those information just makes them much easier to learn, oh and i love it when you said the circle is sad inside :') thank you so so much. finally i found the key to clear my unsolved questions in music theory. hope you would keep on the good work in the future!

[@nicolasmecaj]

So the circle of fifths in just the major and minor scale in a circle, with all diatonic chords if wanted. Thats wonderful visualization

[@misamiljevic768]

Vrlo korisno za sve koji se amaterski ili profesionalno bave muzikom. Hvala

[@troyd7613]

Hands down the best explanation of the Circle of Fifths I've seen to date!!! Very, very good work!!!

[@Samjamguitar]

Wow, thanks!

[@jhonatanqueiroz97]

This is the ultimate guide and the best by far to understand this subject that I've been struggling to deal with. Thank you so much!

[@Samjamguitar]

You're very welcome!

[@shauncho6738]

this is the easiest to understand explanation of how to use the circle of fifths that I've seen yet! Great work and thank you!

[@AayushSingh]

The way you explained the applications was incredible! Never looked at it this way even after completing a course on Music theory. You are amazing!

[@Samjamguitar]

You're very welcome!

[@andybyrne3542]

Don't get caught up on videos with most views, this is a proper tutorial!

[@leetownsend]

Great video! Very neatly presented. Thanks

[@2bb334]

absolutely astounding videos, thank you so much for the explanation. truely a life saver for my music theory class.

[@Samjamguitar]

You're very welcome!

[@sm1tty031]

The best explanation Ive seen. I made a wheel out of two paper plates once for this

[@Samjamguitar]

thanks!

[@georgeaslanidis4789]

Wonderfully explained video and the visuals really execute this so well. This is the first time looking at the circle of 5ths in 10 years so thank you for posting this.

[@Samjamguitar]

Many thanks!

[@The73275]

This is the most informative explanation of circle of 5ths I've watched and I've watched several over the years to help to understand guitar better, I'll never write a song I believe, but could after watching this video, bravo to you Sir

[@jollywolly2571]

The most difficult circle explained in the most easily understandable way. You have just unlocked so much for me today.

[@kingsley9352]

I took a college level beginning theory class which made the circle of fifths seem much more complex than it is. Thank you for this, makes so much more sense.

[@danielpan5147]

Great video...TY!

[@ChipzWitThaDip]

I’ve watched so many videos on the circle of fifths and this guy single handedly destroyed all those other videos. Thank you for explaining it so well.

[@Samjamguitar]

Thanks! It's much appreciated 👌

[@syndhika]

omg thankyou so much theoretically i’ve understood, but you made it much easier to apply it while actually playing

[@scillyautomatic]

This is the best explanation of the circle of 5ths by far! Thank you so much for posting!

[@Samjamguitar]

Cheers 👌

[@josephkitchen3059]

This was such a simple and clear explanation. Thank you 🎸!!!

[@Samjamguitar]

You're very welcome!

[@pedz0675]

Nicely covered, I have not understood completely till I watched your explanation! Cheers! Keep it up

[@Samjamguitar]

Awesome, thank you!

[@potatodumpling385]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks.

[@Samjamguitar]

Glad to hear it! cheers👍

[@saylurrodriguez3315]

Finally someone explains the use of this Damnnn chart. Thank you!!

[@Samjamguitar]

No problem!

[@brendachristopher2693]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you!

[@Samjamguitar]

Cheers!

[@benjaminplatt6387]

Good device to remember the orders: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father

[@rcredmon]

I finally understand how to actually use the circle of fifths! Thank you!

[@patbunce1120]

Once again, an extremely informative and helpful video. Thank you.

[@Samjamguitar]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ChristianRobinson]

My brain is on fire! Finally a direct and detailed explanation

[@Samjamguitar]

Brilliant 👌 feel free to check out my other videos!

[@MrBasicbill]

this is the most concise, understandable and valuable explanation of the circle of fifths that I have seen. Saved into my guitar info folder. Many thanks.

[@Samjamguitar]

Awesome, thank you!

[@quidergo]

Excellent explanation on the Circle of Fifths/Fourths, as usual. You have just become my major source of great Guitar Knowlwdge. Thank you so much for your videos!

[@Samjamguitar]

Great to hear! Cheers!

[@stogies3]

Excellent summary,thank you.

[@Samjamguitar]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DeepakSingh-pf7sy]

Brilliant explanation- thank you!

[@Samjamguitar]

You're very welcome!

[@ruperterskin2117]

Right on. Thanks for sharing.

[@Samjamguitar]

Thanks for watching 👌

[@b-m605]

wow, I had no idea how rich the circle of 5ths is. thank you

[@Samjamguitar]

Happy to help!

[@jimreyna]

Thanks! Very clear. Well Done!

[@Samjamguitar]

Thanks for watching!

[@timothysmith7868]

AWESOME lesson.. thank you so much

[@Samjamguitar]

Glad you liked it!

[@SakhaGaming]

Wow, this is what I literally just needed, perfect explanation for me. Thank you so much :)

[@Samjamguitar]

You're very welcome!

[@orbea42]

The circle of fifths has been vital to me for understanding theory. I cannot overstate that at all. I can figure out all major and minor triads using it....and applying it to a guitar that is standard tuning is pretty simple. I know it as well as I know how to spell my name. It helped me figure out how to find the notes in every major and minor mode. For me, knowing the root and the fifth of any major or minor scale creates a sort of connect of dots and I think it has to do with the fact that the fifth up or down (which is also fourths) is a very distinct sound to me. Then, from that, it is connect the dots to get the rest of the whatever major or minor scale I want to play. It goes a bit sideways with chords that are dim but that is much easier for me to wrap my head and ear around. I honestly could not sit there and apply each mode formula to get the scale. That is way too much memorization. (What the heck is a Phrygian anyway? Hey yeah, knew a Dorian in kindergarten!) For me, this is the "do this one trick" for theory. And it is very simple for me to see fifths on music notation as well. When I look at a piece of music, the first thing I see are the fifths. Then, it's everything else. I have had this argument about how I think that this needs to be taught first or at least within the first few classes of any theory or music lesson with other people who understand theory and are better technical players than I will ever be. And I simply cannot explain to them why this worked for me in terms they understand. Oh well... Great video! Fifths for all!

[@LostSoulAscension]

What a great summary, and in ample time, very impressive and generous display of information.

[@Samjamguitar]

Thanks!

[@acousticguitarcanada]

Wow! Thank you for this explanation.

[@Samjamguitar]

No probs 👌 glad you enjoyed it!

[@terrysheldrick5093]

Perfect explaination for the level of knowledge I'm presently at. Thank you so much.

[@Samjamguitar]

You're very welcome!

[@VijayPaul0690]

Right on point man. Appreciate the work uve been doing. Your definitely the best ive seen.

[@Samjamguitar]

Much appreciated 👌

[@Floydandsome]

Best lesson for circle of fifth!

[@user-wu2ly4dn5u]

You are the best at explaining the theory of fifths. I especially like the 1, 4, 5. Thanks for the clarity-like aciddragon below I'll be watching it over again....Awesome!

[@Samjamguitar]

thanks!

[@user-sc9be3kw8g]

absolutely enlightening thanks for that,

[@Samjamguitar]

Hey thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@1199ccttv]

crystal clear presentation, man! thanks a lot

[@Samjamguitar]

You're welcome!

[@jimcurtis9052]

Very helpful bud. Thanks mate. 🤘

[@Samjamguitar]

Hey Jim! Cheers👌

[@marcosamaral9658]

Dude I'm speachless. But thanks to you, I'm speachless in every key on the circle of fifths. Lol Great lesson. Finally learned.

[@Samjamguitar]

Glad I could help!

[@TannerWoodworth]

Your explanation was much clearer than my high-school music theory teacher's ever was. I mean it's been over a decade since I took that class, but this was a fantastic refresher. Thanks!

[@Samjamguitar]

Glad I could help!

[@pierreblenderbuss9807]

Excellent. Been working on learning theory and this just helped round it out a bit more. Very clear! Thanks a ton.

[@Samjamguitar]

Thanks Pierre! It's very much appreciated 👌

[@ronaldomatheusphilippsen1799]

Your video is absolutely great and useful. Thanks to it, I finally feel able to understand this.

[@Samjamguitar]

Glad it helped!

[@will.h215]

Fantastic demonstration, makes it super easy to get a handle on. Great work!!

[@Samjamguitar]

Cheers!

[@shannonmccarthy7094]

Brilliant Video, thankyou!😁

[@Samjamguitar]

You’re welcome 👍

[@DonnieRiddimReggae]

Amazing Explanation!!!

[@Samjamguitar]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maxkelter3561]

Yes, this circle of 5ths explained this way will make music theory easy to understand. Thanks.

[@Samjamguitar]

Excellent! Glad it was helpful

[@Christopher-yc5py]

This is simple and brilliant. Best video on this topic by far

[@Samjamguitar]

Wow, thanks!

[@tenpercentfordabigguy8550]

That's got to be the best lesson Ive had in 20 years. Thanks

[@Samjamguitar]

Fantastic! glad you enjoyed it👌

[@mattlau]

You are so good at explaining things and making it interesting!

[@Samjamguitar]

Glad you think so!

[@anjalibabuk6830]

Thanks for this amazing video! 😭

[@Samjamguitar]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GregorArh]

One of the best explanations, thanks👍

[@Samjamguitar]

Thanks Archie!

[@jacelandadventures1523]

So much information explained, excellent video my friend! Thank you for sharing 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Samjamguitar]

Glad you enjoyed it👍

[@lucjanfortin9617]

Thank's man. You are a great teacher

[@Samjamguitar]

Cheers!

[@Mr_prasanth]

Best teacher in the world 🌍❣️

[@anthonylaskody1403]

By far…..the most informative display I’ve seen and actually “learned” how to work the C5th’s respectively. Although I had to slow the speed of narration down to understand the fundamentals, I found a brand new understanding of the various applications contained within. I’m sure to form a protocol to make an entirely new perspective on guitar for writing. Thanx Mr. “FastTalker” 😮😮😂😂 ❤❤

[@smithfield06]

Excellent video, I have watched a few explaining the circle of fifths but this was by far the best. 👍

[@Samjamguitar]

Cheers!

[@pravinmestry4468]

very well explained. Made the concept easy to correlate and apply . Thanks

[@Samjamguitar]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vivianfrancis6263]

Excellent clarity Sir. Thanks ❤

[@Samjamguitar]

Thankyou!

[@julevegementiza7912]

He explains so good, not boring to watch and so easy to understand. Thank you sir ❤

[@Samjamguitar]

Thank-you!

[@sigg1988]

finally I understand this thank you!!

[@Samjamguitar]

Brilliant 👌

[@vspatmx7458]

Hey. My quick feedback. I am 47 and self teaching myself piano and music theory for composition. BOTH via UNSTRUCTURED semi random YT vids. Your voice / presentation / pace and data is ideal for me. Many thanks And yes.. I am now a subscriber And Its relatively easy to translate even guitar specific to piano

[@gabrielesciortino2268]

SO GOOD!!!!!!!!

[@Samjamguitar]

Cheers!

[@Mrhennayo]

One of the best videos I've seen

[@Samjamguitar]

Thanks!

[@abelmf]

Great channel, super easy to follow explanations, great content. Subscribed!!!

[@Samjamguitar]

Awesome, thank you!

[@bottomkitchen250]

Thanks for this explanation. I was absent the day this was taught in band (not joking) like 25 years ago and I've been struggling with it ever since.

[@Samjamguitar]

No probs! Better late than never👍👍👍

[@marieladomingo6068]

It finally made sense! I was terrified of it. It should help me with scales without making mistakes now. Thank you.

[@Samjamguitar]

No probs 👌

[@arenmoore2516]

I think im actually starting to get this. Thanks man

[@Samjamguitar]

That's great 👍