Circle of Fifths

The Circle of Fifths displays in graphic form the foundation of harmonic movement in Western music.  This interactive diagram shows chords grouped according key.  The colored arcs indicate chord type. The Roman numerals indicate the chord's scale degree.  The guitar chord diagrams represent common fingerings for the given position on the fretboard. Some diminished chords are hard to play and have been substituted with m7<5 chords for ease of playing.  The "R" represents the location of the chord's root. If a number appears next to a diagram, it indicates the fret on which the note occurs.  There are three keys that enharmonically equivalent. These pairs of keys share the same pitches but they go by different names.  The looping arrow in the center of the diagram suggests the natural harmonic movement of each key. It is good practice to play the indicated chords in this natural order to get familiar with the progression of chords moving toward the tonic chord.

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Instructions

Mouse over or click any of the key-note buttons below the main diagram to view the chords that belong to that key. If the diagram does not change immediately, try reloading the sceen..