Topmusicanswers
Use the circle of fifths to recall how many sharps or flats each key signature has, and to understand which major and minor keys are relative (or share the same key signature). For example: C Major and A Minor.
- How do you use the cycle of fifths?
- How do you use the circle of fifths for flats?
- How do you use circle of fifths in songwriting?
How do you use the cycle of fifths?
In terms of intervals, that's a major sixth up or a minor third down. Using the Circle of Fifths, simply move three positions clockwise around the to find the relative minor! So, starting from C, count one (G), two (D) and then three: A is your relative minor key.
How do you use the circle of fifths for flats?
Simply count the number of sharps or flats in the key signature, and then move that many spaces around the circle of fifths, starting at C. Move clockwise for sharps, and counter-clockwise for flats.
How do you use circle of fifths in songwriting?
The circle of fifths is so called because the nature of the musical scale, running from A to G, means that you can start on one note and run through a sequence of 'perfect fifths' which will take you through each note and back to the beginning, in a circular motion, without experiencing any dissonance.
