Learning harmony using the Circle of Fifths
Using the circle of fifths, it is easy to learn diatonic harmony. Looking at the example below, you’ll notice a yellow rectangle around F-C-G and a red circle around the C.
The red circle is marking the key. In this example, the key is C Major. The yellow rectangle shows us the IV and V chords. In this example, C is the I chord, F is the IV chord and G is the V chord.
If you move the red circle and yellow rectangle to the right and place it over G, C would become the IV chord and D the V chord.
So, to find the I, IV and V chords, simply follow these steps:
- Pick any key on the circle
- The letter to the left is the IV chord
- The letter to the right is the V chord
Let’s take a quick quiz:
- What is the IV chord in the key of A?
- What is the V chord in the key of Bb?
- What is the IV chord in the key of B?
- (answers are below)
Using the circle of fifths, it is easy to find the answers. Remember, the IV chord is to the left and the V chord is to the right.
To figure out the answer to question 1, put your finger on A, and look to the left. You’ll see the answer is D. The IV chord in the key of A is D. Can you quickly find the V chord in the same key?
That’s right, just look to the right of A and you’ll find the V chord…E.
Diatonic harmony and the Circle of Fifths
We can extend beyond simple I, IV and V chords by adding another rectangle at a 90o angle to our yellow rectangle. See the example below:
In the example above, you’ll notice the new blue rectangle. In this example, you’ll also notice the ii, vi and iii chords.
So, in the key of C, the IV chord is on the left (F), then going clockwise (in order) we have the V, ii, vi and iii chords which are G, D, A and E.
Remember this phrase: “4 to the left, then 5, 2, 6, 3″. Commit this phrase to memory. Got it?
OK, quiz time:
- What is the ii chord in the key of Eb
- What is the vi chord in the key of F
- What is the iii chord in the key of Db
- (answers are below)
Once again, we can use the circle to easily answer these questions.
Answers to the first quiz are: D, F, E
Answers to the second quiz are: F minor, D minor, F minor
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Willie
This is a cool . Thanks for the tip
Thanks for the article! I did not know about Diatonic Harmony.
Gina
Thanks for the insight,this will help me.
Gracias!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Willie,give us examples of harmonic proggressions on these circle of 5ths.
Regards from Mara
Willie,
This is a really good. I like the method of memorization.
This is a great article and application regarding harmony using the Circle of Fifths. I especially like how one can apply the Circle of Fifths using this technique to create progressions right away. The “4 to the left, then 5, 2, 6, 3″ is brilliant. Thank you!
Very good stuff man! Could we have more advanced interpretations and use of circle?
that a way I need good job teacher I love this method .
Understanding the Circle of Fifths is a good way to learn to play in all the keys. Great visual here plus the memory phrase will be helpful for my piano students. Thanks for making it easy to understand!
hello, my name is hendri.
wow, it’s amazing lesson. i hope you want to contact me on my mail.
i like jazz music, i like play piano but i can’t play jazz music.
so, i would like to thank for your amazing lesson.
@Hendri, we do not send articles via mail, but you can signup for email updates by sending an email to jazzpianolesson@aweber.com
Dear Teacher,
I like too much your teaching is opening my minde to understand very well, some of the conception of the music. What I find extraordinaryin your teaching is the concept of Rich Quartal Chord Voicings it is great. Thank you very much, I like it.
great job again thanks
I´m a beginner and hope to learn with this and other tools you teach us. Thak you very much.
Dear, Willie, Como puede aprender a leer notas y acordes o melodia en pentagrama? Gracias, Dios le bendiga.