The circle of fifths is a useful tool in music theory and composition. It represents the relationships between the 12 pitches of the chromatic scale, arranged in a circle. The circle of fifths is based on the interval of a perfect fifth, which is a musical interval spanning seven semitones or half steps.

Starting from any pitch, if you move up a perfect fifth, you will land on the next pitch in the circle. For example, starting from the note C, moving up a perfect fifth will take you to the note G. Continuing this pattern, moving up a perfect fifth from G will take you to D, then to A, and so on.

The circle of fifths can be represented clockwise or counterclockwise, and each pitch is typically labeled with both its note name and its key signature. Key signatures are used in music notation to indicate which sharps or flats are used in a particular key.

The circle of fifths is particularly useful for understanding key relationships and chord progressions. Moving clockwise around the circle adds one sharp to the key signature, while moving counterclockwise adds one flat. The relative major and minor keys are often found in opposite sides of the circle. For example, the key of C major and its relative minor, A minor, are found on opposite sides of the circle.

In addition to key relationships, the circle of fifths can also help with chord progressions, modulation, and understanding harmonic relationships. It is a valuable tool for musicians and composers to navigate the complex world of music theory.

This page describes our app s.mart Circle of Fifths, which is part of smartChord.

s.mart Circle of Fifths sets standards! It shows every chord, either triads, 7th or 9th. It works for about 40 instruments and any tuning! You can choose between 300 scales beneath the modes of the major scale like Dorian, Lydian or Mixolydian. Go for the best!

⭐ Innovative ‘Scale-circle‘ opens up new sounds for you

⭐ More than 300 scales besides the modes like Aeolian, Locrian or Phrygian

⭐ Shows triads, 7th or 9th chords

⭐ Chord charts with your favorite fingerings not just for Guitar

⭐ Shows the chords on the piano

⭐ Shows the scales spread on the fretboard

⭐ Works for about 40 instruments and every tuning

⭐ Right- or left-handed fretboards

⭐ Shows sheet music for the chords

⭐ Bass and treble clef

⭐ Hear the chords

⭐ Easily drag the circle to change the key

⭐ Option to simplify names

⭐ Supports about 40 instruments. Not just the common ones like Guitar, Bass, Banjo or Ukulele. The Fretboard Trainer knows also stringed instruments like Cavaquinho, Charango, Cigar-Box-Guitar, Mandola or Mandolin

⭐ 500 tunings are predefined for Guitar, Bass, Banjo, Ukulele a.s.o.

⭐ Custom tunings for every other possible tuning

⭐ Get the scales on the fretboard of your instrument. Not only on the common ones like Guitar, Bass, Banjo or Ukulele

⭐ 14 bright and dark themes

⭐ 30 different color schemes

⭐ The Circle of Fifths builds upon smartChord – the ultimate reference for chords and scales

⭐ Like the other s.mart tools, the Circle of Fifths supports all other relevant smartChord features (e.g. left-handed fretboard or Solfège, NNS)