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Circle of

5ths

Major Keys

Circle of

5ths

Relative Minors

Circle of

5ths

Listen

Moving Around the Circle of 5ths: Chord Motion (cont.)

Let's listen to what our Circle of 5ths sounds like if we move downward one 5th at a time:

As you can hear, these chords move in a very natural progression. Each new chord sounds correct, even predictable, following the previous chord. This common sequence of chords also has a very familiar sound because composers very frequently use the total progression or some portion of it.

Let's listen again as we watch the chords progress downward by 5ths. Again, notice that for this example we've used the reverse the order of the circle:

You will find this chord progression of 5ths very helpful as you compose your music. Even using just small sections from this circle will give your music a comfortable and pleasing sound.