Topmusicanswers
What is the circle of thirds?
It is formed by alternating major and minor thirds (four and three semi-tones). Combining a major third and a minor third we get a fifth, so the circle of thirds includes the circle of fifths, just go two steps at a time, or follow the points of the star!
How do you remember the thirds of a circle?
When we teach in letter names, the circle of thirds going up is an easy mnemonic: GBD FACE (pronounced Gee-Bee-Dee Face). Students who repeat GBD FACE repeatedly (Gee-Bee-Dee Face Gee-Bee-Dee Face …) for a whole week can easily remember the ascending circle of thirds.
What are thirds in a chord?
A chord is any combination of three or more pitch classes that sound simultaneously. A three-note chord whose pitch classes can be arranged as thirds is called a triad. To quickly determine whether a three-note chord is a triad, arrange the three notes on the “circle of thirds” below.
