Circle of Fifths
Click any key to see its diatonic chords, related keys, and common progressions. Every chord links out to the chord chart and scale chart for fingerings and scales.
C major
No accidentalsRelated Keys
Diatonic Chords
Click a chord name to open the chord chart. Press ▶ to play.
Progression Player
Legend
FAQ
What's the difference between circle of fifths and circle of fourths?
Both show the same relationships between the 12 keys, but in reverse order. In '5ths' mode, moving clockwise goes up by fifths: C→G→D→A… In '4ths' mode, moving clockwise goes up by fourths: C→F→B♭→E♭… (equivalent to going down by fifths). Use the direction toggle at the top to flip the layout itself, so either way you can just read clockwise. Since chord motion most often moves in fourths (V→I), the 4ths view is handy for analyzing progressions like ii–V–I.
What are diatonic chords?
The seven chords built from the notes of a given scale. In C major: C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, B°. They form the vocabulary of that key.
What is modal interchange?
Borrowing chords from the parallel minor (same root, opposite mode). Using Fm (iv) or A♭ (♭VI) in C major adds a moment of shadow to a bright key.
What are secondary dominants?
Dominant-7th chords that tonicize a diatonic chord other than I. For example V/ii in C major is A7, which resolves to Dm, reinforcing ii as a temporary tonic.
How do I use the progression player?
Pick a preset or add chords by degree (I, ii, iii…). Set the BPM and beats per chord, then press ▶ to hear the progression in the selected key.
How to Use the Circle of Fifths Tool
Click any major key on the outer ring or minor key on the inner ring. The detail panel shows the diatonic chords, related keys, and optional modal interchange / secondary dominant chords. Every chord links out to the chord chart for fingerings. Use the progression player to preview cadences.
- Click a major key (outer ring) or minor key (inner ring) to select it
- Tap a diatonic chord to open its chord-chart page with voicings
- Click a related key (dominant, subdominant, relative, parallel) to jump there
- Pick a preset progression, or build your own with the degree buttons
- Set the BPM and beats-per-chord, then press ▶ to hear the progression
- Explore modal interchange and secondary dominants for deeper harmony
Related Articles
Read the circle as a practical map by tying it to the guitar fretboard
Never Get Lost Again: A Guitarist's Guide to Diatonic Chords for Ear Training and SongwritingHow to find diatonic chords in any key using the fretboard geometry
Secondary Dominants on Guitar — Progressions, Tensions, Scales, and Deceptive CadencesInsert a temporary V7 before each diatonic chord for direction and color
Related Tools
Build a song chord sheet, hear an acoustic-guitar backing, and see the chord fingerings. Print-ready.
Chord Beat SequencerA free browser sequencer that combines a chord progression, a drum pattern, and an auto-bass line. Share your loops by URL.
Guitar Chord ChartLook up guitar chord fingerings with diagrams. Browse common chord shapes at a glance.
Guitar Scale ChartLook up guitar scale positions with diagrams. View all 5 CAGED positions for major scales and more.
MetronomeA free online metronome with adjustable tempo and time signature.
Take your guitar notation to the next level
notave — Clean guitar TAB, right in your browser
- Smart voicing suggestions — just pick a chord name
- TAB and standard notation rendered simultaneously in real time
- Video export and lead-sheet chord chart view
