Keys are named for the starting pitch (also known as the tonal center or root) and the pattern or interval relationships between scale degrees (major or minor for the purposes of explaining the circle of fifths). For more on these scales, see our deep dive articles on the major scale and the three minor scales. The minor scale, on the other hand, separates scale degrees by the pattern W – h – W – W – h – W – W. In the case of a major scale, the interval relationships between scale degrees follow the pattern W – W – h – W – W – W – h, where W = whole-step and h=half-step. The major and minor modes are the most common in western music, so the circle of fifths is almost exclusively set up to outline how major and minor key signatures relate to one another. Put most simply, a key signature defines a set of pitches that relate to one another in a pattern of half-steps and whole-steps. But then again, you might find this a helpful review. For the music theory heads out there who already know their way around the circle of fifths, feel free to skip to the next section. There are just a few elements of music theory worth reviewing before we get into using the circle of fifths as a tool think of these as the assembly instructions breaking down the patterns utilized in the formation of the circle of fifths. In this article we explore the circle of fifths and its uses, helping you take out the guesswork out of modulation in your next project. It is laid out so that keys located closer together in the circle are more closely-related, which makes it a useful tool for charting modulations. The circle of fifths is an arrangement of key signatures and their tonal centers by perfect fifths. Now might be the time to whip out the trusty circle of fifths, a tool utilized by composers since the early Baroque era, to figure out how to chart a compelling modulation. You can tell it needs to go somewhere, but you don’t know where. You have about two-thirds of a great piece of music, but that won’t be enough. Improve your music theory skills with our deep dive!.What is the theory behind the circle of fifths?.Disclosure: We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
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