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Melody & Ear

Circle of Fifths

Tap the circle of fifths to hear key relationships, accidentals, and V-I movement. A visual way to understand keys, modulation, and progressions.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDm?Outer ring:
Outer ring: major keys / Inn

Outer ring: major keys / Inner ring: minor keys — tap to hear

What is this tool?

The 12 keys arranged clockwise in ascending fifths (C→G→D…), so every neighbor shares almost all the same notes. Major keys are on the outside ring, minor keys on the inside.

When it helps

  • Memorize sharps and flats per key

    A key's position tells you how many accidentals it carries. Makes reading sheet music faster.

  • Find natural modulation targets

    Adjacent keys differ by only one accidental — the easiest places to modulate to.

  • See a key's IV and V at a glance

    Tap a key and its subdominant (IV) and dominant (V) light up in color. Great for composing chord progressions.

How to use

  1. 1 Tap any segment on the wheel to select that key. A chord plays.
  2. 2 Toggle Major / Minor to focus on the outer or inner ring.
  3. 3 Ⅰ (violet), Ⅳ (light blue), and Ⅴ (amber) light up to show the closest keys.
  4. 4 Use the bottom buttons to jump to that key's diatonic chords or scale.
  5. 5 Keys on opposite sides (e.g. C and F#) are the most distant relatives — compare their sound for fun.

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