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Circle of

5ths

Major Keys

Circle of

5ths

Relative Minors

Circle of

5ths

Listen

Moving Around the Circle of 5ths: Key Signatures

We start at the top of the circle with the key of C Major. As we move in a clockwise direction, we add one sharp to the key signature. This takes us to the key of key of G, a perfect 5th (a/k/a "5th") above the key of C.

Continuing in a clockwise direction, we add another sharp to our key signature. So, next we are in the key of D, a 5th above the key of G.

With each step around the circle, we add another sharp to the key signature. Each new key signature is a 5th higher than the prior key signature.