The Circle of Fifths
Once you start to hear I-IV-V chord progressions by ear, there’s one extra step you’ll need to
play them on your instrument: Knowing what the I, IV and V chords are in any particular key.
The “Circle of Fifths” is a diagram which helps you work it out.
C
F
A#
G
D#
(E♭)
G#
A
E
(A♭)
C#
(D♭)
B
F#
(G♭)
Each letter around the circle counterclockwise is a fourth above the previous
one.
D
The
Circle
Of
Fifths
(B♭)
Each letter around the circle clockwise is a
fifth above the previous one.
Remember that the IV and V chords are the
ones which are a fourth and a fifth above the
root (key) note.
So to work out the I, IV and V chords for
a key, locate the key on the circle and see
which chords come immediately before
and after it on the circle.
Example: If you’re in the the key of G, locate
G on the circle. Then look one letter counterclockwise to find that the IV chord is C. Look
one letter clockwise to find that the V chord
is D. That’s it!
How to memorise the circle fast
When you first encounter the circle of fifths it can seem overwhelming.
Here’s an easy 2-step process for memorising it fast:
1. Notice that it repeats. The left hand side (F#→A#) is just a repetition of the
right hand side (F→B), adding sharps/flats.
2. Memorise this 7-letter sequence: F, C, G, D, A, E, B.
Recite that sequence several times a day for a few days and you’ll never forget it.
It sort of rhymes - can you make up a way to sing it?
Then use the repetition rule to remember that after the “B”, you just say it again
with sharps.
Now when you need to work out the chords for a I-IV-V just think of the key’s letter
in that sequence and which letters come immediately before and after it.
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