This is the Circle of Fifths. The note at the top is the key that we will be concentrating on. Labeled are the major minor and diminished chords used in that key. So the chords in the key of C major are: C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim, C.
Remember that relative major and minor scales have the same notes. Likewise, relative major and minor keys have the same chords. So these chords can be used in the key of C major or A minor. (The relative minor chord or key for any major key will be at 3′o’ clock, if the major key in question is at 12.) Notice how the circle of fifths neatly arranges our major, minor and diminished chords from the major scale in chords and places them all together.
Another point to note is that the circle of fifths arranges keys so that the closer they are, the more chords those keys have in common. So C major and G major share almost all the same chords, with the exception of F and F# (Db).
You can also use The Guitar Master’s Interactive Circle of Fifths to help find out what chords are in any key. Simply click on the name of the major key you are interested in. When it is at the top of the page, all chords to the right of the dividing line are notes in that major key. Remember that the relative major key will use all the same chords.
Back to the circle of fifths
Back to Stages of Mastering the Guitar
Tags: chord, circle of fifths, theory
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