The Circle Of Fifths Is MUCH BETTER Like This! Music Theory For Guitar and Beyond.

[@StichMethodGuitar]

So!!! When I was demonstrating finding the key, I started with an F#m, but my brain kept saying Bm, doesn't change the outcome, but just wanted to say yes... you heard me say a different chord name. Sorry about that. Also… PLEASE share this with every musician you know. I truly understand the power of this chart and there is still so much to show you! This chart is a combination EXISTING ideas from all over the musical world, combined into one easily digestible chart. Even if you know all the ideas from previous knowledge…. Here it is in one easy to understand diagram that I designed. Rock on

[@RonniesWorkshop]

Maybe pin this comment so it doesn't get lost. Thanks for the great lesson!

[@StichMethodGuitar]

I thought it was pinned already? Just did it again👍😉

[@RonniesWorkshop]

@@StichMethodGuitar It's now pinned , thanks again.

[@stepvanjoe3469]

Ian no doubt one of your best lessons! Really this will set you up to play in beast mode

[@KitchenKickstart]

This. Is. SICKKKK! My head is swarming, it's like everything your buddy who isn't that great at guitar has tried to explain that never made sense, all in a package that can actually be comprehend. You rock brother🤙🏽

[@ibuildstuffanddothings]

take all my money. it's not much but oh my God where were you when i was learning guitar a million years ago?? i have recently picked it back up after giving up about 20 years ago. sad, i know, but very true. i'm so unbelievably grateful for you and your channel. at 50, i'm learning all the things i didn't learn at 15.

[@Hannibalecture]

You explaining which chords starts in the scale determines what scale it is, and how it becomes modal progressions was the biggest aha moment from KZbin I’ve ever had, thank you so much stitch!

[@staleyexplores]

very cool!

[@nickforte]

This is the single best KZbin video on theory of all time. God bless you sir.

[@SteveHatzman]

How is this channel just now showing up on my feed? I’ve been researching guitar methods for a couple years here on KZbin. Stitch you need to remind people to hit that like button. I know it’s cliche but I think it helps. I definitely could have used this channel sooner.

[@mikemcc]

AT LAST !!!!!! something that finally makes sense to me, and your presentation, your pace, your tone your mannerisms are just perfect, you held my attention completely throughout I would say that you are a natural teacher. Thank you.

[@jameswarren7133]

Old cliche, "remain silent and be thought an idiot or speak and erase all doubt". However I simply can"t not comment on this lesson. It is by far the most comprehensive, concise and easiest to grasp lesson I have ever encountered. Your name should roll effortlessly and often off the tongue of any aspiring student of guitar. Thanks you so, so much.

[@christianhliounakis4767]

Stitch! In the space of a year I’ve gone from knowing a bunch of songs on guitar (after about 5 years of playing) to actually knowing THE guitar. You’re a certified angel and my life will forever be changed thanks to the simple and understandable AND egoless way you can explain things. Many thanks from Australia. The only person I’ve ever supported on patreon because I’m more than happy to some money for your effort.

[@haggishead7558]

What is egoless?

[@moreykanner4781]

Ian you have outdone yourself. As a super dedicated Stichmethod student you have change my musical life in so many ways with dozens of your videos. Seeing you grow over the years has been truly remarkable. Soul, spirit, intellagence but this Ian.....this is mind explosion. One of the very best of you efforts. Wow!!!

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Thank you Morey, means a lot

[@TheStevep52]

Very nice reworking of music theory I’ve known for years. The biggest revelation for me is borrowing chords from adjacent keys. This is something I’ve never encountered in any other source on the subject. I’ll be using this chart often. Kudos!

[@foljs5858]

"The biggest revelation for me is borrowing chords from adjacent keys" and the reason for this is the following: adjacent keys have the smallest difference in notes (e.g. on the cycle of fifths, the previous key to any key will have a sharp less, and the next adjacent key will have one sharp more). This means the chords on the previous or the next key will share 6 of the same notes with one between them, and will only differ minimally, so will be a good harmonic fit to borrow from (compared to going to a key that suddently has many different notes from our key).

[@RobertViani]

Me looking at the Circle of Fifths chart: Waa Waa Waa Waa. Me looking at the Square of Stich: Hmm, that makes sense. Thanks man. This is pure Gold presented beautifully.

[@guitarpoetone1]

Dude this is the holy grail of fret board reading it is the magic 👍😊

[@guildenboy]

I don't normally comment on KZbin, but i gotta thank you! After 20 years and hundreds of videos and books, I FINALLY understand Modes! I know that's not what this was supposed to be about, but it's done it for me, thanks again!

[@hatuey718]

Rick Beato eat your heart out. Some people just have a pedagogical knack to convey ideas and concepts in an accessible way. Kudos to you sir.

[@themadhatters8529]

In the UK in 2023, my guitar teacher and your videos are my musical occupational therapy for a long-term illness, life improving stuff!

[@maxmentone5373]

I don't know how I ended up here, I never really played an instruments yet but I want to, and you seemed like someone I wanted to hear out; I'm glad I did, I understood 100% of what you said and now I feel like I can write music. I'm going to get the charts!

[@inkalicious7868]

Hey Stitch! It’s me Tom! It was nice meeting you! That made my day! 😊

[@sean3994]

Just when I managed to get the circle of 5th to click. But knowledge is power right. Have to say, I loved the adjacent key idea. All I've ever know in the past was the relative minor, your "Square of Stich" really makes this clear.

[@homeguitarplayer9482]

Thank you Ian, for your shared love of music and the instrument. This sheet has a lot of value, it's a great labor and grand achievement a I'm lucky to have access to it and will be using this material. Some time ago you taught me to build chords from the notes of the major scale. Your lesson changed the way I saw the SHAPES I was playing on the fretboard. Now each point where I press the string to the fret is a note, that can be a root to build a chord from. This sort of lightbulb moment is part of the journey and you have given so much to me as a player and the guitar playing community that I'm sure I'm not the only person who is grateful that you are with us. Thank you.

[@JL5290]

Ian, Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been working on memorizing the circle of fifths and trying to create a good practice routine to cement it. This is a phenomenal tool. As always, you da man! Looking forward to the Patreon practice sessions.

[@Rupertneet]

I am a beginner and been so frustrated so far trying to improve but your way of teaching rings home so I want to thank you thus far. Absolutely amazing work! Thanks again

[@gerrygreen1]

I never thought it would happen but I’m thoroughly enjoying the theory stuff you present. I don’t always understand first go round but it all becomes clearer eventually. Thanks so much for doing what you do. Definitely my favourite guitar channel on the ‘tube. 😊

[@jeffpansini9612]

Your the only one who made me understand the circle of 5th's. You also help me understand the different names associated with the major scales such as Ionian, Dorian(which is the pententonic scale) and so forth. Thank you so much.

[@StichMethodGuitar]

That’s why I made this video. I intend to make a video explained how the circle of 5ths has been revised so much over centuries, it’s barely recognizable

[@jeffpansini9612]

@@StichMethodGuitar They should scap the old version and go with yours. 👍👍

[@fullrangeguitar177]

Well, Dorian cannot be the pentatonic scale. Dorian has seven tones, pentatonic obviously has five.

[@skylark8828]

@@fullrangeguitar177 Pentatonic (5 tones) is just without the 2nd and 6th from the Minor scale, but the Dorian (2nd) mode of a Major scale (ie. C) just is borrowing notes (ie. C# F#) from the next major scale up (ie. D).

[@CD_Character]

@@skylark8828 Perhaps you've already seen this, but for anyone who hasn't... The seven note scales of the major modes - Ionian (aka Major), Lydian and Mixolydian - have five notes in common - this is the Major Pentatonic scale. The seven note scales of the minor modes - Dorian, Phrygian and Aeolian (aka Minor) - also have five notes in common - this the Minor Pentatonic scale.

[@mikewiley6009]

Stiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitch, this is the business!! I think you have just made my songwriting waaaaaaaaaaay more interesting, I feel like ive always been able to tell a good story but maybe musically was a bit predictable as i was never quite clear on borrowing from other keys and such I just tried this out very briefly and it changes things up rather nicely. you are a legend !!!! thank you

[@davidharris3194]

Way more practical than the Circle of 5ths diagram!!! Great job.... I've got these printed for easy reference. Great tool!!!

[@AJ-qv1rs]

Mind blown ... this had never sunk in, until now .... Genius!

[@kagenotatsumaki]

Holy. Crap. I've been trying to put together a cheat sheet like this forever and honestly, this is WAY better designed then mine... XD

[@WJV9]

I wrote charts exactly like these to learn how to solo on saxophone in any key. Good stuff. Thanks.

[@noahtenshen]

Peaceful place--except for an occasional loud car. Excellent lesson Groovy One! I hope my utility bill doesn't break me this month with all the light bulbs that went off. Enjoy the forest quiet when combustion engines sleep.

[@stevemason7790]

Brilliant alternative theory.Borrowing chords does my head in,not now.Really enjoy your lessons and your passion for teaching.Thank you

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

Adjacent keys advice is new for me. Thanks. I usually go to chords in the relative minor. This is a nice change.

[@ThoughtsAreNuclear]

Just wanted to say that your videos are top notch & so is your personality. The music scene, (along with the 🌎) needs more souls like you.

[@dan_kay]

Great tips, I love it. There is one more method though to find out the key, although it is not as sophisticated. It goes like this: "Hey. HEY. HEEEEY. Stop, Stop, Stop, Stop, Stop. STOP." "In which key was this again?" It's usually much quicker than counting, analyzing and comparing minors and majors, and it creates a strong bond between you and your band members.

[@StichMethodGuitar]

I love it!!! I have used that many times as well!😂

[@seacuesta]

???…Please elaborate/ decode, or please post a link. Thanks! This getting more fun by the minute!

[@cherryfieldmaine6486]

You have a big fan and student in Cherryfield Maine and I believe my bill is due! Great lesson as all are Stich.

[@jasonfrost9229]

Seriously, you're the best! Fantastic content, great personality. I learned so much since I found you on KZbin

[@robfry2266]

Mind blown. I FINALLY understand where you use modes! Great as always. Thanks Stitch

[@douglascarducci6977]

Thanx for the condensed chart, it does indeed help having it out while practicing stuff . Its good to learn everything and then "forget" it all and just feel and play...again thanx

[@cristiamholguin5256]

Thank you so much for this video, I really don’t know anything of music, I’ve learned few songs just watching the chords on some little books, but thanks to you all those smoky musical clouds are disappearing, you turned on the fan, thanks again to be so humble and share your knowledge with others,that is so nice from you,specially now when most people is selfish,👌👏👍😊❤️.

[@dsm811]

Nice, I was taught this on the circle of fifths/fourths with a side diagram showing the major and minor scale pattern. I like the way U flattened the wheel ;)

[@billroy2780]

Really cool concept Stitch! Love that it’s all right in front of you

[@williamwhitman6881]

Thank you, for this and all of your videos. I’m proposing the Periodic Table of Stich, because of the multiple relationships that connect the elements in the page and yet to be discovered.

[@outonemorning470]

Is it ok if I call it the stitch table?

[@douginny]

I would post this on Patreon but everyone needs to read this. I've been playing over 30 years and perform here in NYC. I learn so much here. Now let me say this. I've been studying theory for about 3 years and nobody, and I mean no one has ever presented the Circle of Fifths like this. And I don't want to besmerch anyone because I really like the other YT guitar teachers too. But none of them compare to Ian. I've signed on with Michael Palmissano's Guitar Academy, Carl Brown's Guitar Academy, Justin Sandercoe's Academy as well. Throw in Signals Channel too and many others I've tried as well. So when I say Ian is the best guitar teacher on You Tube, I can back it up having tried many of them. I will say that POW Music is also a very good channel and he also is a great teacher. But Stitch is hands down, the best. Finally, I get the Circle of Fifths although I did have a handle on it. But the Circle of Fourths? Forget about it. Until today, I never understood it. Everyone else says basically, "You just go around the circle the other way!" Oh, Okay! Lol. Never really understood why that even made sense. Now I get it when presented like this. Thank you Ian.

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Doug, such a nice comment. Thank you. I’m in NY btw!

[@douginny]

@@StichMethodGuitar Awesome. But I hate to inform you, there are no campgrounds in NYC.

[@StichMethodGuitar]

☹️ way to break my heart dude

[@bigcountryplatinum5150]

Love this! Best representation on how to borrow chords from different keys! Thanks!

[@burnedclutch]

Thank you, very cool stuff! I'm already have wheels turning before the video is past halfway. I think could write single note melodies or hooks and collect at least thee core and highlighting notes to determine key, but more importantly create chord progressions. So like in reverse.......I also believe this will help with writing block! cheers!

[@jonmellor6876]

Fantastic lesson, circle of 5ths in a grid. Quite right, easier to interpret with a lot more info.👍

[@mikesmith1290]

Wow! This took the fear and loathing out of learning music theory. I actually understand what you’re talking about! Just found your channel and subbed!

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Awesome to hear! So glad you are liking the channel. What kind of questions do you have? I can try and recommend some videos.

[@SHarris64]

Years ago, I attended a songwriting workshop and was telling some of the group about the 1,4,5 method of keys and how the chords revolve around that with the 6 being the relative minor and so on. My sister had shown that to me when I first was starting to play. I started to put together a spreadsheet chart that showed how that worked to send to these other people. i quickly realized that it dovetailed into so many other areas as you have demonstrated here. It really is one stop shopping for music theory and composition. i never did finish my chart and its good to see a comprehensive layout as you've done here. Well done!! i look forward to working with it. :)

[@darupert]

Three rights make a left and running backwards through the circle of fourths makes a circle of 5ths. Lots of great ideas in this video. Thank you

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

Thank you, Stitch 🙏 Things seem to make a whole lot more sense with the Square of Stitch. I appreciate the sheets 🙏 Be good to you

[@darkrose-k1h]

This is much easier to visualize than the circle. Thank you

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Gene yus. Really brilliant. This makes modes so easy. i practice modes on the piano, since I'm still learning the fretboard and will save it for later. But when I practice modes I don't use the usual modal order. I don't practice Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Myxolydian, Aeolian and Lochrian. That order is derived from the C Major scale. I start with the Lydian since it's the only outlier with a #4. Then I play my Ionian, or the major scale. Then I go in the order of adding flats. Ionian: 0 flats Myxolydian: b7 Dorian: b3 b7 Aeolian: b3 b6 b7 (and I usuall practice my harmonic and melodic minors here) Phrygian: b2 b3 b6 b7 Lochrian: b2 b3 b5 b6 b7 Logically there are two more versions, and there is a name for them but who in their right mind would want to memorize the names. Bonus Scale 1A: b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 b7 Bonus Scale 33 1/3: b1 b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 b7 That last one is playing the scale from the scale right before the tonic. Smoke'em if ya gots'em.

[@Hocusland]

Thank you this will help me find the key of my own songs it should help immensely with my song recording

[@stephenlee1782]

Wow, what an amazing reference tool. I have been struggling with theory as long as I've been playing and this easy to understand chart solves it all. As long as you are in Maine, come to Hempstock in Harmony a week from Thursday. The dates are 7/21 to Sunday 7/24. I missed you at Northland, day late $ short, would love to see you there. We jam hard!

[@e21steverino]

I've found that every so often, I'm due for a significant leap forward in my understanding or skill as a relatively new guitarist. This lesson was my leap forward and, brother, was I due! Thank you so much for this most awesome and powerful concept! I just ordered the Square of Stich sheets and printed them out. Now to practicing...I know these tools you've taught will be the start of my next technical leap forward :)

[@MrSupersidewinder]

You are a wonderful teacher and this is a great tool. I hope others see the value of this effort. A thorough understanding of your chart truly will unlock creativity and confidence... Thanks for sharing...

[@StichMethodGuitar]

I honestly want this to be a new norm in music theory, so I appreciate your support

[@MrSupersidewinder]

@@StichMethodGuitar It may not be obvious to some so it's wort pointing out that as you move up through sharps it's the 7th note that just got sharped... Likewise in flat keys it's the 4th that was just flatted...

[@StichMethodGuitar]

I just mentioned that in another comment!😬

[@mikemcc]

I decided to write out my own chart in order to understand it better but then I realised that there is no key of F. It took me a while to figure out where it should be. Am I right in thinking that it should come above C in which the 5th would be F? or is the key of F denoted by one flat? Thanks for really great tutorials I really like your teaching style.

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Stumbled across your channel a few minutes ago, and decided to subscribe halfway through. Thank-you...

[@redpillpusher]

yessss, I made myself a similar chart just to learn triads but yours is more expansive. thanks for this.

[@stanmanmedia]

Tremendous.. while I don't understand it well, it's the most comprehension I've had in such a short time getting exposed to it. I will go purchase it. Thanks very much!!!!

[@MattHumphrey2408]

Excellent! And u inspire me in more ways than music yet everything is music. Bless you Stich! ❤🫶✌️💎

[@HippyDruid77]

The 'Square of Stitch' is great visualisation tool man. Thanks for sharing! 🤘

[@fattyz1]

Yes this is a real home run. An excellent tool for memorizing this. Thank you

[@Giovanni_Frau]

Another lightbulb moment for me. Thank you Ian for this lesson. I've purchased the sheets. Along with you're improvisation lesson I've a lot of practice material for a while. Keep up the good work 😎👍

[@daddokewl4235]

I own the guitar in the thumbnail - literally. That’s a photo of my guitar. Also . . . great lesson Ian!

[@alexanderhanksx]

She sure is pretty

[@pikin2]

They came to your house and took a pic of your guitar?

[@estevang.4693]

What guitar is it? Model? Thanks daddo

[@georgefenning4844]

I’ve just ordered one

[@Porsche997C4S1]

It is made by Allan Beardsell of Beardsell Guitars. I had Allan build me one and it is amazing!!

[@nathanielnonis999]

Thank you for this piece of value Stitch! Just purchased the chart from you. Basically culminates alot of the theory into sheets an amateur like me could understand.

[@StichMethodGuitar]

So glad you liked the layout!

[@JohnSpignesiBand]

Stich! Spigs here from Summer Jam! Was awesome to finally meet you, my friend!

[@dawhofan]

The last 5 minutes of the video have been a missing link for me. This is awesome thanks

[@StichMethodGuitar]

The REAL Reason I made this video…. I Swear!

[@rolandjgutierrez7737]

when you said you have a modal progression a light blew in my head and i seen it clearly that when you sold me on this chart it was right there man nice chart how you figured it it don't matter it's all right there thank you mister stich been waiting since end of 2017 got serious 2018 till present thank you...Roland J Gutierrez from Magdalena New Mexico USA 🇺🇸👍

[@NoLeakz]

Jerry’s Smiling Upon You! Thanks

[@kenkelly382]

Wow. This is the video I've been waiting for forever. Was just looking at the 2nd Bridge in Tequila Sunrise and it has 3 out of Key chords. I was trying to figure out where they came from and couldn't figure out where they borrowed the chords from. I'm going to test your method to see if solves the riddle. Regardless you're so awesome Stich.

[@salsplace]

I built the same kind of chart many years ago. Helped me tremendously. This is a great way to look at music.

[@troyd7613]

Okay, so I know you put this up like a year ago, but I just have to commend you... Very very good!!! I "circled" the drain with my music study recently as I found the Circle of Fifths informational, but difficult to commit to memory. Idk if it's just me, but it seems the layout has certain limitations... Maybe my brain retains information that is laid out in a "linear" fashion more efficiently, but I really have to say that your method/system is thoroughly awesome!!! Man, did you nail it!!! Thank you so very, very much!!!

[@ChristianCMC]

This is awesome, genius. I'm purchasing the chart. Thanks Stitch.

[@coquinbuddha]

This is a fantastic tool, man. So clearly organized and very well explained. Thank you for this.

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Dude, this makes me so happy to hear! Thank you for your enthusiasm and I’m so glad you like it.

[@scallywag8788]

Listening to this is the first time I have understood clearly how modal progressions relate to the key a song is in

[@dean3323]

Love this thank you Stitch. I never realised that modal chord progressions were derived from the starting chord in a key. This stuff is gold!!!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

For me the chromatic scale, assimilating this into your consciousness, gave me the field map to the guitar neck: it takes a while but eventually you know exactly what note name you are playing in each position, this 'stitch' method I can see is very useful!

[@Kaliforniadreamer]

Hi Your Square of Stich chart is a very practical and useful concept, It will help me with learning both guitar and piano -I’ll keep it handy!

[@bennyfrank5262]

I always knew the internet was going to be awesome for this very reason of sharing knowledge. Thank you so much for your hard work and time put into these lessons!! We really appreciate it so much! It’s a shame I didn’t have you around when I was in my teens 😅😁! Have a wonderful day!!

[@Emcfree2084]

Nice, this is a lot simpler and more refined than the circle of fifths in multiple ways

[@Wodawic]

Yeah Stich, you killed this. Thanks from all previous to me an many going forward...

[@TheJawtech]

Another good one Stich. I've been working on the chromatic scale formula as a way to learn all the notes on the fretboard. It has really opened my eyes, it's like i can see the black and white keys on my guitar now. WWHWWWH - alone is super powerful.

[@MattXScott]

Makes complete sense. Best guitar teacher ever. Thank you!

[@Alice-the-seal]

This was actually very useful. Thank you.

[@braddanielson7705]

Sooooo,when a song "seems" to switch keys, is it in a different key or is it just in a different "mode" of the original key???Is this why when soloing in "chord tones" you will sometimes end up in a different Key?This always seems to happen on the 4 chord for some reason for me.Great lesson.

[@michaelmattson3515]

There was a music store in Mpls called B Sharp. Pretty good joke. C

[@foolsgold8486]

Unbelievably Generous Soul🤜🏻⚡🤛🏻

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

Maine is a gorgeous state! New England has so much beauty!

[@chadwickpainter8212]

Far out man! This is really cool. Thanks for the video.

[@axandio]

Hey my wife's handwriting is much better than mine too. You don't think we have the same wif..... nahhhhhh. Great lesson Ian, I'm going to download and print from Patreon... but I'll have to email it to Staples for printing. I really want to go through and find them myself since you stressed this is the best way and fill them out on my own, then proceed! Thanks again.

[@axandio]

BTW, Been noodling and stuck in the position 1 pentatonic for 40 dang years. Guitars were always crap so staying in simple pentatonic seemed to sound the best... once I finally got a decent guitar that was able to be setup right, wow.. that opened up a lot. Intonation and staying in tune is so important, and now affordable guitars do this! :) Game changer. All the less used chords and triads sound so much better.

[@johnrattinger18]

Hey, recognize that chart! Great stuff Ian. Maine is gorgeous. We went to Portland and Accadia 2 years ago, enjoy. I've been playing lots of cover band stuff, but need to get back to theory. Cheers!

[@StichMethodGuitar]

I’m on the island John!

[@RobBanks81]

Really amazing chart and explanation, Ian. Thank you so much.

[@aisforapple2494]

Awesome guide! I was in Maine recently too. And thanks for 'Brokedown Palace', one of my favorites!

[@tylerthompson2326]

Wow! This is truly priceless

[@Gmnjean]

The background sound of your video is incredible

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

What a peaceful setting Stitch.Way to pass along the knowlege@

[@DeclanMakesStuff]

Mind blown about the key change wow!

[@johnmooney3105]

Thanks Ian, this is a great way to understand basic music theory. Well Done!

[@snicklefritzthetab8411]

You are amazing! You have taught me so much in a very few minutes. Thank you.

[@AnthonyDulak]

Amazing charts and fantastic explanations! Thank You!!!