The Circle of Fifths - How to Actually Use It

[@kipling1957]

I'm nearly 60, but this makes me want to go back to music school with you as teacher. Great job. You have a gift.

[@oracleshood6772]

You're nearly 60, but you can't use grammar properly...

[@kipling1957]

Duh?

[@kipling1957]

The odd thing is that no one has bothered to explain in what way the grammar is incorrect. My original comment reads fine to me, at least for conversational English.

[@kipling1957]

Thanks for your support!

[@seemlyme]

Really great

[@samuelo.c.4813]

2 years I did not understand. I was frustrated but I did not give up playing. Now I can confidently say it is so easy as typing this. Just to encourage someone out there. keep practicing. don't give up

[@andrewharris3859]

Will do

[@IgorAntarov]

Thank you :)

[@clutchmelon4587]

I gave up playing my saxophone because I missed so much of my band class, I lost all motivation to play because I was missing key points of information. For a while I convinced myself I was stupid because I never confronted that feeling. I'm sure if I told my band teacher, he would have been more than happy to help me. It makes me sad now, as do all my many failures and missed opportunities. I feel I've let myself down so many times, but I know I can make things so much better moving forward. I just need to get out of my current living situation so I can dedicate more of myself to developing my personality, rather than focusing all my energy on trying to stay sane. Abuse has always been an overwhelming part of my life, but I know I can escape it. It might be over-sharing, but it feels a bit better to admit these things to myself as I type them.

[@ibssawega7182]

Thx brother. My brother is a God. I need to catch up to this mans.

[@outwestwilly]

Samuel OC :)

[@jorgerivas1424]

Michael, you're an excellent teacher! You made it look so easy. I didn't major in music ( I"m a retired CFO/CPA). However, I've been playing piano for 50 yrs and cello 30 yrs. I even took 4 yrs. of cello at a university & played in a symphony. You just added a big piece of the puzzle to my musical knowledge. We're never too old to learn. Thank you!!

[@eduardsteingraeber8924]

Thoughtful comment! I like the reflecting aspect.

[@joshdugas8421]

@ not everyone is playing to master it. Some people just enjoy playing the songs they know, or playing off a score. Music theory really only comes into play when improving, and when you're trying to coordinate more than one instrument. I played guitar for years, and didn't know what notes the frets were called until recently. I'm only here now because I'm trying to write my own stuff for piano and clarinet 🤷‍♂️

[@HassouTobi88]

@ He did not say he spent 50 years playing the piano THEN 30 years playing the cello...in fact that is highly unlikely...some of those 50 years of piano could've also been some of the 30 years of cello...

[@aidanmiller5629]

This guy is an absolute legend. My friends and I are in a band, and I was struggling to understand how to write my own music, until I saw this video. He described an advanced course simple enough to have an overgrown toddler like myself understand it. Keep up the good work!

[@galdento2808]

Use these as replay buttons 0:29 -Making the circle 4:00 -Notes 7:02 -Chords 8:31 -Keys

[@رزيئة]

Thank you 💕

[@AkashaBadGuy]

Thanks bestie

[@henrihoepel8624]

Circle of fifth on guitar

[@jeckey1936]

Wooow how u did tay

[@kanishka0717]

thanks bestei

[@auroraalis]

Don't understand all the negative comments. For me this was an incredibly simple method of understanding something I have been looking for a long time. I've taken notes and I will put it to use. Please keep doing what you do.

[@relicofgold]

Simple? There's nothing to grab onto, nothing to arrange this into understandable sense. If it was A, B, C, D, it would make sense, but it's random and senseless. And there's SEVEN notes between these, so it's the CIRCLE OF SEVENTHS!

[@edinburghbalili]

@@relicofgold I don't know if this is a joke or not, but it's been the circle of fifths for centuries now it's a basic part of rudiments of music. It's not like he invented it on his own

[@relicofgold]

@@edinburghbalili It's got 7 steps between each segment of the circle. That sounds like the circle of 7ths to me. Not asking you to accept that.

[@marcosdiaz6673]

@@relicofgold The interval between each note is a fifth, hence the name ''Circle of Fifths''. Don't blame your lack of knowledge on anyone but yourself, just keep practicing.

[@relicofgold]

@@marcosdiaz6673 Thanks for the slapdown. I'll know to go to you in the peanut gallery in the future for advice...........not.

[@gyanivyakti8601]

Shit this guy just taught me more in 15 mins than what I'd learnt myself in the last 2 years

[@AnthonyCTSW]

I'm just into my second year of learning to play, in my case a clarinet, but I really took a step forward with you explaination of the circle of 5Ths . excellent P.S. I'm 78 and wishing I should have started earlier

[@eastbaystreet1242]

Well you are making me feel better, Anthony! I am 58 and just finally getting time for music (life can be rather busy). Videos like this one are so helpful. And since we are speaking "geezer" now, all of the research shows that exactly this kind of learning really helps our brains stay sharper and potentially even avoid or retard the onset of dementia. Now, I'm off to take my Geritol! ;-)

[@jennywren8937]

Just when I was wondering whether I'm too late to make real progress at 72, only time will tell. I agree, we have to keep the grey matter working. Thanks golden oldies.

[@oliviapereira364]

My teacher had another student that started violin at 62 and made it to an orchestra! Not one of the big ones, but a nice one still. Keep it up! Just be very cautious with tension/injuries! Wish you all the best

[@Life-er6mq]

Very inspiring. You’re never to old to learn. I really loved playing music in middle and high school but my immigrant parents made me stop so I could take AP classes and get into a good college. Well I did just that and I graduated college and now have more time to do stuff I actually love which of course is playing music lol

[@cmac7168]

Haha 78 likes for this comment and your 78

[@ChrisKogos]

Thank you Mr. Beast!

[@simplesimon4374]

Lol

[@ca-qy3mk]

why

[@adityaswamy9647]

I thought of elon

[@makagyngrimm3392]

He sounds like Red kb

[@picklesticks2318]

LMAOAOAOAOAOA

[@richardvega2784]

Way back in the 1970s, my two brothers and I took piano lessons for approximately three years. Our piano teacher would write down the chords on the sheet music, but I could never figure out how she knew the exact keys which made up each chord. NOW I KNOW HOW SHE DID IT! She used the Circle of Fifths. Thank you for your insightful You tube video!

[@AndrewSmith-wh3lo]

I've just started piano after strumming a guitar for years and I am so grateful that you have made this video which has massively deepened my knowledge of notes, chords and keys. This 15 minutes has given me the knowledge and motivation to take my music studies to the next level. You are a great teacher because you know what students find difficult. Excellent.

[@merrillfung]

When I was a kid, I remembered it using Order of flats: Fat Boy Eat All Day Order of sharps: Go Down And Eat Breakfast

[@DellorfOfficial]

OMG, for the flats I've the same method!!

[@petercoene5930]

I learned it later on, but the way I memorized it was "Computer Generated F*** BEADs."

[@genericasianboi]

i learned BEAD GCF and Fat Cats Go Down Alleys Eating Bugs

[@ricex2]

"fat boy eat all day", thats exactly what i was taught, but i was never taught of the circle of fifth, maybe i was too young for that when i heard of the circle in recent years, i thought it was a chart for modern music chords, and very recently realized it was actually ancient.

[@nd-pv4ts]

i took piano and was told that the order of sharps was Fat Cat Goes Down Alley Eating Bacon and flats was B E A D G C F. and to me it seems that that was totally wrong.

[@איתןליברמן-ו8נ]

I admire the clarity in the way you explain, and the sympathy in the way you address your listeners. You are a clever teacher, and made this subject interesting and accessible

[@carolynlajara]

lmao thanks for this, but serious question... How did you find out about the time I got drunk and ate butterflies!?

[@burpie3258]

why do you fondle beads, Carolyn. why.

[@PelvisCashley]

she's Catholic@@burpie3258

[@GianfrancoSeminario]

burpie 😂

[@whatuthinkvswhatuknow4011]

David Hanson 😆

[@vincentlok8894]

That would the the "Circle of Gossip"

[@canellofl7112]

Lol if you listen close at 2:22 you can hear someone getting arrested lol (PUT YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK)

[@simpleman3256]

How in the actual hell did you hear that...😂

[@JaysonPlaysMinecraft]

that isn't someone being arrested

[@canellofl7112]

@@JaysonPlaysMinecraft lol sure sounds like it to me.... Usually when the cops say put your hands behind your back.... Your going to jail.... Unless your a snitch then you still probly go to jail just not for as long..lol idk you tell me what you think it means when they say put your hands behind your back 😂🤣

[@JaysonPlaysMinecraft]

@@canellofl7112 if it were someone being arrested i think the video would have paused

[@canellofl7112]

@@JaysonPlaysMinecraft obviously not the one shooting the video getting arrested.. Maybe someone outside the house, maybe a neighbor come on dude don't be that naive...wow I'm obviously not talking about the guy doing the video... It might even be on TV in the room but it is still definitely someone getting locked up

[@TheLANC95]

I’m a senior in college studying music tech, and this is the most helpful, most cut-and-dry, most effective demonstration of the Circle of Fifths and how it can be used I’ve ever seen. College professors have a habit of skimming the Circle and not really teaching how it can be practically applied to making music. I only really knew it as “clockwise: fifths. Counterclockwise: fourths.” So thanks for this. I definitely subbed and favorited this vid.

[@Deedee5858]

The best circle of fifths explanation on the web, congrats!

[@DXRXNGXD]

*Caroline got arrested at **2:22** in the background*

[@rajarajanmanoharan]

Deranged Łøçø lol

[@RiaLuna1]

Hahahahaha

[@tor.studio]

thats kind of creepy lmao

[@maxvaldes1497]

he says i'll call you back...i think

[@adamwarlock5286]

Serves her goddamn right.

[@hippomilk292]

FONDLES NOT FIXES NOT FOUND NOT FLIPS NOT FARMS NOT FIGHTS FONDLES

[@robertebersold3817]

But now you'll remember it.......

[@adomoadeus]

Who on earth “fights” beads?

[@graffhyrum]

The human brain will focus on and remember violent and erotic things the best. If you're making mnemonics you want them to be raunchy so you remember them better.

[@oleg4966]

@@graffhyrum Like the TTSTTTS of the major scale is most memorable as "TiTS-TiTTieS".

[@banacek8675]

So the guy's a fondler. We all have our fetishes.

[@pavure]

This is like a gate to the new world of music for people like me play guitar as a hobby without having music theory. Appreciate for posting this.

[@xxdfoster]

Bead-fondler is going to be the name of my next band

[@thomashankhogan9076]

Thanks for the great review - Thanks, you are clearer than any of my former teachers and professors ! Maybe I’ll get back to writing my own music someday , Thanks

[@Account-pq1it]

Sorry, I already set up a band with that name. Feel free to use “Caroline and The Fondlers”

[@utubewatcher806]

Caroline's Bead Fondlers

[@hughmongasass3773]

The Effin Sharps

[@redalertcavy]

Caroline should be the title of your first Album.

[@MackSuperb]

Perfect! Clean and straightforward explanation. When on my morning walk I try to visualize the circle of fifths. I practice reciting how many sharps or flats for a given key and what they are. Very helpful when transposing on the fly. For example, I play my english horn with our string ensemble. When they play warmups in D, I know I need to be in A because my horn is in F, and they are all in concert C. LOL

[@Dreadly]

Order of sharps: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle Order of flats: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles' Father

[@porg7063]

Dreadly I learned BEAD and Great Cows Fly but that's because my 8th grade band teacher loved cows. she had a stuffed bull that people would dress up in different shirts that he had. there were a few arguments about who got Benny tho and sadly they never got violent

[@Dreadly]

Yeah I also heard of BEAD (then something else), I was gifted with a superb music teacher that gave me Mt. Dews when I answered correctly, haha, so most of my knowledge comes from her. :)

[@porg7063]

Dreadly lucky! my teacher retired and stopped sharing her knowledge after I finished 8th grade 2 years ago and she moved from the most awesomest state aka Minnesota to a cool state but not as cool as minnesota aka Florida and everyone loved her and I actually learned shit and got to play. my band teacher as a sevie talked for the entire period and then we never got to play and then we sucked at our concerts but our parents clapped anyway because they were parents and they wanted to make us feel like we actually ddi shit

[@derycktrahair8108]

Dreadly, re order of sharps. I learnt this years ago as a Bandsman in the Army. Father Christmas Gets Drunk After Every Brew. order of flats = BEAD Gets Completely F....ed. (not a good one for kids, but men remember it) It goes to show that we come to Music from different backgrounds. Theory is hard to explain, and you are doing a good job.

[@RoyArrowood]

ruben lopez Fat Cats Go Down Alleys Eating Birds was what I was taught

[@duenge]

After 7 years of saxophone in middle/high school, this is amazing to me. I had ZERO theory in school,....just play the notes on the paper. At the age of 58, I am tinkering on a bass guitar, and youtubing music theory...Thank you, you are a great teacher!

[@rickgebhardt3382]

After I drink a fifth I usually drive in circles. Same thing right?

[@whyyeseyec]

Well, it depends on whether you get in a major or minor accident. Regardless, your jail cell will be either square or rectangular, not a circle....

[@stevecoveney159]

Kzactly

[@Kevin-pn1th]

Or the old lady talking in circles drives you to drink. lol

[@WmTyndale]

No! It depends which direction you drive: counterclockwise or clockwise! If you drive counterclockwise it means you drank way too much, you drank a fourth: 1/5 < 1/4. You are way over the limit and should be reported.

[@mitchellchristenson7107]

💩💩💩💩

[@wjameswiggins]

When building a chord, you go up one in the circle of fifths to get the fifth (as you said), but you can also go forward 4 in the circle to get the third (and 5 in the circle to get the major 7th). You probably didn't want to complicate your instructions to explain that Ab and G# are the same thing :-}

[@LemonGoofball]

Oh yeah I figured that out. Super interesting tool

[@izzyh.3581]

What you said kind of sounded like my teacher trying to explain the song hallelujah to us in highschool. He was talking about the first verse: "Now I've heard there was a secret chord That David played, and it pleased the Lord But you dont really care for music, do you? (It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth The minor falls, the major lifts) The baffled king composing Hallelujah" My teacher was big into music but this period was psychology. Maybe he was off track but went into detail. With my lack of musical knowledge it all went over my head but I held onto his lecture for hope of one day finding out what he meant. I also learned to play the song on ukulele but now I'm trying to learn accordion which the circle of 5ths is much more prominent and spoken about. Clearly I'm not proficient in ukulele otherwise I'd probably be using the circle of 5ths there as well. Please of anyone has insight to right on ahead.

[@getgud3069]

@@izzyh.3581 A bit late but if you're still dying to know... The fourth, fifth, minor fall, and major lift refer to the chord progression in the song in relation to the root note. The root note or tonic is the note that the song centers around, in this case C. "The fourth" means the chord built on the fourth note of the scale. So count up from C to the fourth note. 1 2 3 4 C D E F You get 'F'. So the fourth means F major, the triad built from the fourth note in the C major scale. Similarly, "the fifth" refers to the chord built on the fifth note of the C major scale. count up from C to the fifth note 1 2 3 4 5 C D E F G You get 'G'. So the fifth means G major, the triad built from the fifth note in the C major scale. "The minor falls" refers to the next chord in the chord progression, the sixth. counting up from C to the sixth note 1 2 3 4 5 6 C D E F G A You get 'A'. So the sixth means A minor, the triad built form the sixth note in the C major scale. Even though "the minor fall" is higher in pitch than "the fourth, the fifth" it releases tension created form the fourth and fifth hence the "fall". "the major lifts" refers to the last chord in the chord progression, the first, built on the root note C. The triad formed from C is C major. Because C is the central note or root note of the song it acts like a finale to the chord progression. When C major hits notice how there is a feeling of resolution, hence the "the major lift". The chord progression would be notated like this IV V vi I The roman numerals represent the chord number. Capital numerals mean major chords, lowercase means minor chords.

[@christianryan1360]

Great tips, thanks

[@MANDVM]

I was looking for a Circle of Fifths tutorial ,and found this one. I was a bit confused for a moment, as I couldn't remember recording this. :) Excellent and thorough explanation - thanks!

[@MichaelNew]

+Michael New I saw your comment in my inbox and thought "what was I talking about? That makes no sense."

[@robertmessham3175]

Michael New What

[@yojoehojo4291]

Okay, this in itself is great.

[@omegadragonsrule2603]

What do you mean

[@RexLabsproduction]

I'm currently 169 years old and i love your lessons and its never too late to learn piano. Every time I play piano I feel young!!!

[@lycanthrr2077]

"church it up" Best phrase i heard in a while

[@bigdawg4696]

hahahaha lol

[@AaronSmith-zs6ve]

It's near perfect

[@freeslave8824]

sad

[@leascaart]

"Church it up for the kids" you're a good man and this is a great video. Thank you!

[@mobradley4504]

So helpful! Wish I'd come across this 30 years ago! I feel like a genius now. Will watch more of your lessons.

[@Yanto-Bardic]

I'm not a musician, but found this helpful for the simple songs I try and write, why have so many given this the thumbs down? Btw I want to meet this Caroline!

[@grantlearnsthebassguitar-f1291]

Caroline fondles beads. Nope. Never going to forget that. 10/10 would learn mnemonics from you again.

[@scottleft3672]

I thought she fondled her BF?

[@emmanouela1141]

I first watched this 2 years ago when I started studying music in college and I couldn't get it (0 theory), but now I can, thanks a lot! I use your videos to teach myself theory

[@melodramatic1530]

Lol. I couldn't get it. Why is he doing that exercises (?) Around 6-ish minutes 😅😂

[@jerimejimenez]

When you count in counterclockwise, you’ll get the 4th note of each :)

[@petefeltman]

Interesting yes?

[@raccoon6072]

Octave

[@MrSacman88]

Yes - I prefer to just call them "the cycles" as great studio bassist Carol Kaye called them. She taught them as a reversable tool for learning natural tendencies of chord progressions.

[@zeekthelump]

As somebody who plays a lot of music without the knowledge of music theory, this was incredibly helpful. Thank you for simplifying this whole concept without the fancy terminology!

[@gianfrancescomaish]

I can't believe I just got such a briliant lecture for free! Thank you so much!

[@pacsw]

i have a test on this tomorrow and this made everything so much more clear omg thank you so much

[@eqwerewrqwerqre]

But there definitely is a shortcut to find the third. Since every entry in the circle is a constant number of steps from the last, and since the third of a note is always the same number of steps from it, Finding the third of a note will always be the same number of steps around the circle. In this case, 4 steps around. Starting with C, go 4 steps, you're at E, staring with Ab, go 4 steps, you're at C. It will always work, I've just tried it on my piano for every note. By these definitions, every type of chord is definable by a sequence of steps from the root note around the circle of fifths. Major: [0 : 4 : 1] or [1 : 5 : 2] if you prefer 1 indexing. Minor: [0 : -3 : 1] or [0 : 9 : 1] Dim: [0 : -3 : 6] Aug: [0 : 4 : -4] etc. They're fairly easy to define and 7ths are simple to add on. From the above, we can say that there is an easy way to define any chord in terms of the circle of fifths. Would be an interesting way to program if you wanted to teach this to a computer. p.s. now you could argue that this defeats the simplifying purpose of the circle by adding back in the counting but I'd postulate this is different than counting simple notes by the virtue of having negative indexes and when adding negatives being able to never have an index above 6. Plus with this method you can make pretty triangles with your different chords and if you have your circle memorized, commit the different triangle shapes to memory as well. I'll stop typing now. Hope everybody's staying safe out there.

[@Cheetahwithahat]

Wow

[@jakevikoren]

Came here to write the point you made in the first paragraph. Left delighted by the idea of having chords become polygons in my mind 😍 Thank you!

[@codexcursors]

I can't believe a 9 year old video explained the circle of fifths better than most videos on stream. Thanks a lot!

[@bigsean6045]

*Another useful thing*, go 4 notes clockwise from your root note on the 'circle of fifths' to find your major third. *Impressive right?*

[@rongerbing2717]

Flexed and extension muscles in fret hand

[@dinahhaile2503]

@@rongerbing2717 what?

[@jacobaustin-sides9643]

and 5 notes ahead to find the 7th?

[@joosepjoost3117]

Coltrane changes in nutshell

[@LubaFan]

Sorry man, I was only able to give you 1 like.

[@eddieblz]

This has been the best explanation on how to understand and use a cord circle I’ve seen out there. Has really taught me some things. Thanks

[@maschinelab8598]

Glad to see you back! loved your previous videos...very didactic!!! Hope they are more in the making!

[@MichaelNew]

Doing my best; of course finding the time is an eternal struggle. And thank you.

[@captaingerbil1234]

I've been playing guitar for years, but it was hard for me to visualize the theory. I just started playing piano a few days ago and I've probably been able to accomplish more now than in the past 10 years combined as far as learning how to build chords and scales. I only knew scales by sound and practice, and I only knew chords by the shapes. You just taught me so much, so thanks.

[@beckst3r]

“If I’m teaching a little kid, I kinda church it up a little bit” I’m using that

[@rpprevost]

Good for you. You have to get them when they're young and don't know better. Otherwise, they'll see right through your bullshit.

[@pianohelper8873]

69 likes i like that

[@12WeMet1]

Literally just thinking that haha

[@mineheadX1]

if my idiot university prof had your gift for exposition my first theory class wouldn't have been torture, thanks for the superb explanation and memory aids.

[@rain3743]

Earl Brackett right? The music theory I took killed me, AND I couldn't retain it.

[@Intheshed123]

Schools etc. stretch everything out the hardest and longest way (like math) so they can keep making more money, home work & fill time to create more classes, as you can see here and all over the web :)

[@WealthTracker]

If your university professor told you the simple version, you'd be done in 3 weeks instead of a whole semester. lol It's all business.

[@adelejkruger2415]

Memory key: Carolyn gets drunk and eats butterflies Carolyn fondled beads

[@darrylpowell8247]

Carol Found Bob Eating At Dennys😁

[@wilmabaird1299]

Fat Chicks Give Dad An Erection Brother

[@justlivin3998]

Wilma Baird 🤣

[@arpitdas4263]

Beads hmm? 😏

[@LIYANMUSIC]

and at the 2.22 she got arrested 😂

[@sarahsmith2198]

You are a champion! Thank you, Thank you. I've been trying to wrap my head about this for a while, only half understanding it. You have explained this useful tool in a way that actually makes sense! This will save so much time and be so handy.

[@szabiakanich]

Another fantastic video. Great explanation. Great to have you back with another video.

[@MichaelNew]

Good to be back. Thanks.

[@iw63boomer]

Way back when I was a full time player, I would use the Circle of 5's to practice licks, patterns, scales and chords for jazz improv work. To work chords, start on the C, and play all the chords ascending around the circle. Then, I would play one chord ascending, the next on descending, and so on. I would practice all types of chords; 7 chords (major triad with flat 7), minor 7, half diminished, etc. Do the same thing with scales; major, dorian minor, the minor built on the fifth (I can't remember what you call it), etc. Again, one ascending, next one descending. Then switch. OF COURSE I do ALL of this with a metronome. I do this with my eyes closed. What happens, is you develop an instant reaction to chord changes. I made up flash cards that I could shuffle and generate always changing random patterns. By practicing all of this, a jazzer can call out any note in any scale: for example, what is the flat 5 of a minor 7 chord in the key of F#? Or the 6 in the same key. So on and so on. It really does become reflexive. If you ain't willing to put the time in to learn at that level, then you ain't serious about being a jazzer. If you ain't willing to practice at that level, stick to your repertoire playing.

[@MsFlamingFlamer]

Amazing!

[@iw63boomer]

Thank you! Lots of hard work, but worth it!

[@jimmyfigueras4476]

It's so important to have intervals automated in jazz, especially in keys you haven't played a lot in. It should be automatic before you're gonna play jazz anywhere, knowing what voicings to use when you're given a lead sheet, etc.

[@JAllan-sp2xt]

I used to warp up playing somewhere over the rainbow in all 12 keys on Sax in Circle order. It used to help and was just as much of a mental exercise as it was a musical one.

[@sinagmusicph]

I have a question, since the 5th of the F#m7 is a Db. When you ask what the flat 5 is, do I have to make the Db into a C, or does it stay a Db since it's already a flat?

[@mugensamurai]

To help other beginners clarify what a 5th is, it's 5 natural notes or 5 white keys on that keyboard, plus the other sharps and flats that this good man included in between the natural notes (white keys).

[@groovemoustache]

Yeah, the "fifth" note of a Major scale. Same (unless specified otherwise, like if it says 'minor', or 'augmented' etc] for a Third, a Fourth, a Sxith, but not a Seventh because fuck us I guess.

[@yasminpritchard2146]

mugensamurai ((

[@suchick13]

THANK YOU ! I've been trying to understand the circle of fifths for ages and my 93 y.o. professional musician father is getting tired trying to explain it to me. So I thought I'd watch this video for clarity, and within 1:20 of watching this, I'm like 'IF IT'S SEVEN NOTES APART, WHY THE FUCK IS IT CALLED A FIFTH ? THIS ALREADY DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE AND I'M NOT EVEN 2 MINUTES INTO THE DAMN VIDEO !!" :P

[@simonjohnson1381]

Sue Ferguson ya, just ignore the sharps/flats

[@mavmav0YT]

mugensamurai 7 half steps for a perfect 5th

[@aakashparmar9378]

This is the most easy tutorial on circle of 5ths I have ever watched on KZbin 😍😍😍

[@LYPhere]

This 15 min video taught me more than I ever learnt.. Thank you so much for this!!

[@eduardsteingraeber8924]

Odd comment though ... I hope that's just a mindless overstatement!

[@elum1161]

It’s also useful for modulating to another key. For example, going from Key of G to A, you play the chord before the A (ie. D chord) over the bass note after the A ( ie. E). Works for any key: to go from C to D, play G/A.

[@5060northernmama]

great lesson. Church up the Order of Flats and Sharps: 1st flat in key of F is Bb.....Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles' Father. 1st Sharp in key of G is F# .... Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle.

[@catyl22]

Just started learning piano and wasn't going to click on this vid bc I thought it'd be way too theoretical, but soo glad I did. Thanks so much for taking the time to share this! You're a good man :)

[@sharonj731]

The most critical use for the Circle of 5ths as it was taught to me is that the 2-5-1 chord progression (used in nearly every song ever written) and 3-6-2-5-1 chord progression, are totally spelled out at-a-glance in the Circle of 5ths - for EVERY single key a song can be played in. Also, a great resource to ingrain in your mind for a baseline for improv, for the same reason.

[@brianespinoza7331]

Can you explain what it is you mean by 2-5-1 chord progression as well as the 3-6-2-5-1 progression?

[@samin2012]

@@brianespinoza7331 that's about harmonising a scale. For ins if you take 251 and c major scale, you can play Dm, G to C and still sound musical. Because C major scale is harmonised as follows: C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C. Hope that helps

[@ahmereware8063]

samin2012 what’s the m represent?

[@samin2012]

@@ahmereware8063 minor - Dm=d minor chord

[@jamesclaygarrison7192]

I don't see it. I can think of SO MANY tools much more useful for improv than the circle of5ths. But then again, I'm not very bright

[@serar9713]

I came here thinking this was a thing for trigonometry lmao Edit: Didn’t expect this to blow up lol.

[@conanrose1182]

Same

[@conanrose1182]

Also I'm learning how to read music. It takes me maybe a day to memorize to staffs though. I've a long way to go.

[@factorylad5071]

Tough Sera R but you can still do some math, look at the circle of 5ths as a cyclic permutation.

[@take942]

Music is mathmatical

[@johnnyknight6447]

This IS trig. Ratios of radian measures to ratios of frequencies in Hz of each note in position, where C is at 2 Pi and counting upward (cuz 0 pi would not divide), are roughly equal. I think, maybe, Unit Circle might be a better model for a CoF, and a guide for note tuning - i.e. 11 pi over 6 may be better position for G, where ratios of a given G frequency to its relative C are the same as ratios of that position on UC to its relative start of rotation (again, avoiding or somehow revaluing 0 pi to allow for translation to non-zero C language). Maybe C is not base, either... definitely a relationship, though, and cool. Probably gonna do this now. Thanks for bringing it up haha

[@mrCetus]

I drew the circle, but I also added the 3rd values in-between - the major 3rds (4 half-steps along) on the outside of the circle, and the minor 3rds (3 half-steps along) on the inside. So now I have a handy map for all 1-3-5 major and minor chords. :D Edit: I suddenly thought about what minor key corresponds to the major key, and how people write them on the inside of the circle. Doing that would mean shifting my minor 3rds map, and I like having the major and minor 3rds of a particular root note together. Besides, I noticed I can find the corresponding minor key by moving 3 steps forwards on the circle.

[@SteveAndrade623]

Considering how long ago you published this video (5 years ago from the time I saw this), I doubt you will ever see this comment but I felt it needed to be left anyway. I have tried for years to understand all the uses for the circle of fifths and have always just ended up confused by the author's explanations. While they may have understood it, they were not very good at explaining it. Then I came to this video. After longer than I care to think and having watched more videos on the circle of fifths I watched this one from beginning to end and can honestly say that I FINALLY KNOW WHAT IT MEANS AND HOW TO USE IT! Thank you so much for taking what seemed like something I would never completely understand and making it a real tool for me to use (and without pulling my hair out 😉). You are really a great instructor/teacher.

[@collophonium]

if you think about tones physically , the fifth is the most harmonic note to the root (if you dont count the octave). if you divide a string by two , you´ll get the octave, by 3 you´ll get the fifth . by4 youll get another octave and by 5 the fourth (wich is a fifth in the other direction .) so the circle of fifths shows how good the notes are related to eachother . it gets more and more dissonant ,the farer you move away from the root . also if you whant to know the scales for any tone, just take the chords of the root, the fifth and the fourth and here you go .

[@glitchedmochi]

This made more sense than any other KZbin explanation I’ve seen.

[@ilias_requiem6786]

How to remember drawing the circle of fifths starting by the F natural note: *F ather C harles G oes D own A nd E nds B attle, F athers D on't A lways E nd B attle*

[@silverflamez]

lol I remember this for my Sharps , and backwards , (Battle Ends And Down Goes Charle's Father) for my flats =)

[@MCVessels]

That is certainly one way to stop a fight.

[@evietrembath3418]

for someone like me who is a musician at grade 7 I've always struggled with the circle of 5ths until now. Thank you, this was so helpful !!

[@NivaraTinuviel]

Great explanation, and super easy to follow. Even for experienced musicians, it’s important to practice the basics. I have been playing for 20 years, and I have ALWAYS had a hard time remembering the circle of fifths. I like your pneumonic idea. It might have been less painful than getting the thing tattooed onto my forearm like i did... 😅

[@MrRoundel]

Only one question: Where were you, or a gifted instructor like you, when I was a kid trying to learn this stuff, and it all sounded "Greek" to me? Hmm...maybe it did all start in Greece? Seriously, it's great that you have such a solid grasp on music fundamentals, and are able to translate it the way you do. Many thanks from a new subscriber to your channel, and one who thought this stuff was out of his grasp. Please keep up the good work! Cheers.

[@MichaelNew]

+MrRoundel Ha, well sorry I wasn't around to help you as a kid :) Glad to have you as a subscriber.

[@MarkPrigoff]

Lastly, when I draw out the circle of 5ths for students, I tell them to think of a clock. But instead of C being "12 o'clock", it becomes 0/0, G is 1, D is 2, etc. showing the number of #'s, and going the other way, F is 1, Bb is 2, showing the number of flats. Then you can draw wedges to represent the primary major chords and relative minors. They also have circle of 5th charts that have moveable plastic overlays that group these chords together.

[@blueukeguy]

This is the best video explaining the circle of fifths I’ve stumble on so far.

[@cecilponsaing2749]

Fantastic the many relationships you can make using the quint circle, the many ways it can be used. 1. There is also a way that you can use it for making a chord converter, so that if a song is in one key and you want it in a different key. - you just make two quint-circles on cardboard or other hard material, and centre them on the same point a drawing pin or a bolt or nail, and make the key you have on one of the circles correspond to the key you want ... Then all the other chords will correspond the same way. Go from inside circle to outside circle, or vice versa, but just remember which direction you are using. 2. Then it can be made on three levels to give you the notes in each basic three note chord, e.g. One setting gives major chords, another minor chords, another diminished, and another augmenteds. There can be a fourth fifth and sixth circle probably in a different colour, to give the additions to the chords for the sevenths ninths and elevenths. 3. Other circles can be made to show the relative chords; which can be minors, diminished and augmenteds 4. then the same system can probably be used to display whole systems of leading chords.

[@tannerwilson1704]

"You immediately know that your 5 chord is F" F is the 4th. If you go clockwise around the circle, it is a 5th, whereas if you go counterclockwise, it is a 4th. A 4th is a Subdominant chord, not a dominant. Still one of three most powerful chords in a set key. (Most powerful are Tonic [root] Subdominant [4th] and Dominant [5th])

[@leonardok3529]

Which one creates tension? The subdominant or the dominant?

[@Clay5701]

@@leonardok3529 both. dominant is just a bit stronger.

[@nicholas19karr]

@@leonardok3529 what do you mean by tension? A diminished chord sounds tense to me. But, a Tonic (CEG) to a Subdominant (FAC) to a Dominant (GBD) and back down to a Tonic (CEG) sounds more like a progression or phrase.

[@CTFUvegan2014]

Michael its so good to see another video from you!

[@MichaelNew]

Hey thanks man! I just moved cross country, and I had to spend about a week designing and 3d printing myself a new camera and lighting set up. But I'm finally up and running again.

[@CTFUvegan2014]

***** You printed a camera and lighting setup? HAHA that sounds crazy.

[@luciofernandez8212]

You explained it so well I finally got it crystal clear! I was shown this years ago and I really couldn't appreciate the benefits. You got a new subscriber for this.

[@breeze787]

Even though your explanation of the Circle of Fifths is way over my head you pointed out clearly how the circle of fifths can help to form chords & compose music. As a student of music I've always wondered how you form a chord theoretically. My introduction of the circle of fifths of which I knew nothing about is another music theory that I should pay attention to. Now you've really raised my curiosity, THANKS!

[@MichaelNew]

If you're pretty new to music theory I definitely recommend this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4qTYp1_pNejm6M. I go over chord building in detail and it's more geared towards a beginner.

[@brianswan5887]

He never mentioned the inner circle.... the relative minors... and the same stuff applies there... He can memorize it , as you can also... but no one can understand why it is this way.

[@samsonmagesa2178]

Mr. can you share with me such skills, because i met some difficulties in studying this..... here is my email [e-mail]

[@vanrozay8871]

now figure out how A7b5 chord has the same notes as Eb7b5, opposites on the circle. it works, tho that requires naming some notes differently (for instance, the b5 of Eb is Bbb {"double flat'}, admittedly a strange name for a note). in jazz, a seventh chord can often often be replaced by a seventh chord a flatted fifth away, which will often sound "wrong" in a good way.

[@vanrozay8871]

he admitted the video wasn't all-inclusive. feel free to make us a video explaining the things you alluded to.

[@ztuffaha4979]

You said there are no easy way to figure out the 3rd, but you can always think of the circle of fifths while moving counter clockwise as a cirlce of forths, so if we say F is the 4th of C, we can just go down one note to E (the 3rd). I hope this helps 😊

[@RicoTonetti]

Your so great

[@DarthBalsamic]

Honestly, the way to keep this going is to simply know all your scales by heart. Unfortunately for a guy like me, acronyms have never worked and I was forced to develop my own personal system during my music theory courses. This also transitioned into my playing later on. That's pretty much how I remember it all and stay sharp. Eventually it just became second nature. I say do what works for you and is efficient, and you'll be alright.

[@clonkex]

This is sooo important! Just because one way of learning works for most people doesn't mean it works for everyone. Even though I was decent at guitar, I was completely and utterly stuck trying to learn piano until I realised that I just needed to find a way to make the keys stick in my mind. Turned out visually dividing them into CDE (which, said quickly as see-dee-ee, reminds me of Monsters Inc. for some reason) and FGAB (pronounced fuh-gab) was the key (pun not intended) I needed. After that everything clicked. So for me, I just need ways to pronounce the various sequences of letters as words (nonsense or otherwise), rather than using mnemonics.

[@DarthBalsamic]

@@clonkex Exactly. My system is actually quite confusing to everyone, but makes perfect sense to me.

[@Pikachu-qr4yb]

Thanks so much man. I never grew up with music theory so I come back from time to time to refresh my mind. I found your video explains this in the best most simple way !

[@realhuman5688]

A few ways I see of easily remembering the circle of fifths. Look at the circle of fifths. Notice how the notes that are opposite to each other in the circle are a tritone(three whole tones) apart. C and F# are opposite to each other and they are a tritone apart on the piano. G and Db are a tritone apart and they are opposite each other on the circle and so on. Another way that I think is faster would be to just remember 4 notes on the circle. C,G,F# and F. C is at the top, F# is at the opposite side of C, G is to the right of C, and F is to the left of C. And then, just remember BEAD. On the right side of the circle, BEAD goes up from F# and goes till G, and to the left BEAD goes down from F and goes down to F#. The only difference is that BEAD on the left is all flat, Bb,Eb,Ab,Db.

[@malikhall6459]

Yo thts actually really helpful. Thanks bro

[@MildredStain]

I love reviewing music theory concepts on KZbin. The comments are always across the spectrum. Finding the exact information to learn on KZbin is quite troublesome. I did my theory study before the internet using Walter Piston's "Harmony" book. I dare someone to use it as a script for KZbin series on music theory. It's like reading a wiring diagram out loud. When I teach theory, the student MUST understand note "intervals" (minor 2nd, 2nd, minor 3rd, 3rd, 4th, Perfect 5th, etc up to the octave) before anything can make sense. If you are a beginner trying to make sense out of anything people say in music theory on KZbin you have to start there! The best order to learn this stuff is: notes, staff notation, intervals, scales, keys, chords/harmonies, chord sequences/progression. It takes most people years for it to really sink in and then if you're lucky you might see how to make it work for you.

[@lrllrlrr5089]

One of the things that clarified the circle of fifths for me was understanding the tetrachord and how the last 4 notes of the C scale turned into the first 4 notes of the G scale and the last 4 notes (of the G scale) had to sharp the F to maintain the relativity of a Major Scale. It became easier to comprehend the progression and addition of sharps and flats.

[@MildredStain]

@@lrllrlrr5089 Interesting. I don't recall learning about tetrachords in my theory studies. But I spent a little time looking into the concept and how you are relating them to the circle of fifths. I now see the counterclockwise direction overlapse one note and the clockwise is two separate tetrachords (with the root on the top). Cool. This could actually be useful. Thanks for the insight!

[@VeronicaGorositoMusic]

Absolutely! note intervals are the building blocks or cells, of Theory.

[@TheApril1610]

"Key of C" i thought hes saying KFC with a weird accent lmao

[@madalena4145]

Lmaoooo

[@LiliVG]

Excellent explanation, presented in a practical way. Not only why we should know the circle of fifths but how to use this knowledge. Thank you!

[@rooguitar]

you´re a great teacher!

[@ggthewhale]

ROOGUITAR '*

[@micahbenally5139]

When he pulls out the little keyboard I immediately thought "Aww!"

[@jakelodwick]

It’s a great choice for on-the-go music production. They make a wireless version that uses Bluetooth. Akai Professional LPK25 | 25-Key Ultra-Portable USB MIDI Keyboard www.amazon.com/dp/B002M8GBDI/

[@Anton-zk1qp]

PS2Damon It's 2018, chill. They aren't ciggaretes.

[@edmond2014]

Excellent, the best I've come across circle of fifth explanation!

[@suzannederringer1607]

I have one that's just 3 octaves. More useful than you would guess! And seriously portable.

[@MarkPrigoff]

Another point: when you look at the key of C, you actually see a family of chords related to that key, right next to each other which represents the "qualities of C". Thus you have your IV, I and V chords right next to C, but then you also have the chords D, A and E, looking to the right, (which in this case would be the relative minors of F, C and G...Dm is the relative minor of F, Am is the relative minor of C, and Em is the relative minor of G. This creates an instant family of chords moving up the scale of C: C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am (and then Bdim is really redundant to a G chord (in part), so we only concentrate on the three primary major chords and the three relative minors in each scale!

[@rui4659]

+Mark Prigoff wow!! thats a really great way to put it!!! Thanks!

[@boo66]

+Mark Prigoff Spot on. This is the way I've taught music for years. Getting people into the idea that any song they know can be played in any key just by moving that bunch of chords around the circle.

[@MarkPrigoff]

+boo66 And it gets even easier with digital keyboards that can transpose with a touch of a button!

[@samanthadeguzman8665]

Quarantine days are better and productive because of the Circle of Fifths! Thank you.

[@Janosh112]

quick tip, to find major third just count 4 notes (clockwise) away from the root. to find minor third count 3 notes (counterclockwise) away from root. this is also interesting because major thirds are 4 half steps away from the root and minor thirds are 3 half steps away

[@nathanfrigerio3473]

+Janosh Sullivan Yes. just count the intervals till you know what the fifth is you are looking for. Just memorization.

[@FusionthemesAu]

+DiAPERiDOL well if you're so far ahead of the rest then stop trolling beginners videos

[@aussierule]

+DiAPERiDOL Oh shit we got a theory badass over here.

[@Ana_crusis]

Not a good idea, Internalize the music theory and use the circle of fifths as a tool to help you do this *until* you don't need it. If you ever have to work out a major chord (you mainly won't have to after a while, because we simply know them) Then count up 3 (a major 3rd) and 5 ( the fifth) . That is your Major triad and it is ultimately a better, more logical more sensible way of thinking about it that associating counting in 4's etc.

[@LatchezarDimitrov]

Really?! Do you know how wide is the half ton in one pure fifth?! You must learn much more before to publish a comments like...

[@carolepaul8390]

You have explained much in this short time. Thank you! Carole

[@UrMom-kr5jx]

Carole gets drunk and eats butterflies

[@fadeskywards1245]

@@UrMom-kr5jx gets drunk and eats butterflies

[@austinhernandez2716]

I never understood the circle of fifths, but now it makes sense. I personally have no use for it though because I have all of the scales and chords memorized. I learned all of them without using the circle of fifths. I guess because I have been composing and arranging music for a few years now and had to memorize all 12 major scales for auditions in high school band and I took AP music theory(but I already knew all the scales before this class). I can spell out all major and minor scales and chords and recognize all key signatures(even for different modes like dorian or mxyolydian, based off of the song) instantly.

[@ezra6490]

I just started learning music a few days ago, so this is new to me. I already love it, it’s incredible!

[@ImehSmith]

Carolyn Gets Drunks And Eats ButterFlies. Carolyn fondles BEADS .

[@Tangledvine502]

Yea what's the church version

[@Tangledvine502]

What happened to every good boy does fine when reading sheet music?

[@ibanezguitars360]

@@Tangledvine502 that still applies when talking about lines on the staff. this isn't in relation to that. you got it :)

[@guitardds]

"I kinda church i up a little bit." hahaha

[@Squeaky1423]

"Cathy Gives David Apples, Every Boring Friday". Just thought that one up and also this one: "Cathy Forgets Ben Every Afternoon, Dang!" ;-)

[@ShoshiPlatypus]

This is brilliant, Michael. I've never heard of the circle of fifths before, and when I was learning music theory as a child this would have been a tremendous help! It reminds me of the colour wheel we use as artists, too. Very clever! Thanks for sharing. Off to subscribe to your channel as I think I can learn a lot from you!

[@melvynobrien6193]

Clearly the person who taught you theory didn't know shit.

[@virginiakenney5090]

this is the first time I learned the importance of the circle of fifths! Thank you so much.

[@Coqui-Media]

Caution to anyone with perfect / relative pitch as at 5:30 - that Ab sounds uncannily like a C to me ;-) Good video tho Michael. Will defo recommend this to my students ;-) P.S. at around 5:58, that octave Ab sounds correct! :-o

[@MichaelNew]

+Joe Ortiz Yep, good ear. Somehow I messed up when syncing the audio in that part. Sorry!

[@tromboneJTS]

one person with perfect pitch winced

[@Coqui-Media]

+Michael New ... lol ... an almost insignificant gripe on what is overall a very good presentation. Keep up the good work. Have subscribed. Happy new year Michael!

[@EmdrGreg]

+Joe Ortiz Excellent catch! But over-all a very good video, and few people will pick that up.

[@pinkfanta2303]

When you're remembering the the order the order of sharps you could use Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle and then for the order of flats you could use Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles Father

[@kareemshams4541]

That's what my IB music teacher taught me; I was trying to remember the flats though Thanks for reminding me

[@pinkfanta2303]

Kareem Shams no problem =)

[@jamiedugger1137]

I always heard Fat Cats Go Down Alleys Eating Birds for sharps. Lol. & then flats were just BEAD and GCF (greatest common factor, if you like),

[@fetamean]

Jesus Christ. I was in band for 8 years, and no one ever taught the circle of fifths as clearly as you do. Jesus.

[@draquilacasket1719]

+Gnarbro TaKa Just remember that Caroline got drunk, ate butterflies, and fondled with beads.

[@fetamean]

DUDES, THESE ARE AWESOME.

[@richardspillers6282]

+Gnarbro TaKa Ive been playing music for 18 years and this has never made any sense to me.

[@nathanfrigerio3473]

+Richard Spillers It makes sense in a useless way. Memorize this if you're too dense to know what a particular note's fifth is.

[@spatnaspolecnost]

+DiAPERiDOL shitter

[@onzkicg]

Wow, I’m playing music for long time and didn’t dig deep into this. I didn’t incorporated numbers to music/ notes so this is new to me. I learned music chords visually, meaning I know where these notes are bec I have a visual image in my brain of my hand in piano or I see my finger position in guitar fret- that graphic familiarity. But I never did numbers. These seems interesting. New learning for me. Thanks! Whoever first discovered this is a genius. It’s like math formula- we benefit a lot from it but how it was discovered is super amazing.

[@noisyneil]

here's one i just invented, going clockwise: Can't Go Down An Escalator Butt-First, Dumb-Ass! EveryBody Falls. (Comprende?)

[@mik3ayala18]

annd im using this to memorize it lol

[@frankalfar]

noisyneil 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SeanGorgone]

thats too funny lmao

[@markusjayy6425]

Oh God thank you!!!

[@imleksutra933]

Beautiful

[@sSunbeamM]

LET'S ALL GET DRUNK AND EAT BUTTERFLIES YEEEY!!!

[@Spectralmourning]

sSunbeamM that bitch has decimated the monarch population.

[@delete9898]

Yeet

[@MichaelJohnson-pk5sq]

sSunbeamM No. Lets get Caroline drunk again after every blissful f#@k

[@Akkul]

sSunbeamM naa i would prefer some mosquitoes

[@2m7b5]

I can't find the L key help

[@ElvenSpellmaker]

For the second note can't you just go four along on the circle of fifths? It seems to work, C --> E, Ab --> C, D --> F#?

[@jaron95628]

Actually a fun way I noticed while watching this was that the 3rd note after the 5th, is the 3rd of the root. Example: C --> G, 3rd note after G is E, and E is the 3rd of C; C-E-G (1-3-5)

[@BBsheepy]

Best circle fifth explanation video I've seen my teacher show me circle of fifth no idea how to use it and how it form... Thanks