Major circle of keys

Major circle of keys: "
Issue No. 020 �
'Secrets of Exciting Chords & Chord Progressions!'




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' Secrets of Exciting Piano Chords & Piano Chord Progressions!'

Lesson 20
Chord Progressions Part One:
The Circle of Keys - Major


If you've ever heard of the 'circle of 4ths' or the 'circle of 5ths', they are the same thing as the 'circle of keys'. It just depends on whether you're moving clockwise or counter-clockwise around the circle.

All the major keys that you can play in -- 12 of 'em -- are listed in this circle. Take a look for yourself:

Major Keys: C F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb B E A D G


So 'C' is at the top of your circle, and Gb (same as F#) is at the bottom of your circle.

Now memorize that circle. You'll soon notice that each letter is a 4th above the previous letter -- hence, the 'circle of 4th'. Or if you go the other way, you'll soon notice that each letter is a 5th above the previous letter -- hence, the 'circle of 5ths'.
This is the way chords 'want' to move -- up a 4th. Or up a 5th. You will find those to be the most common chord progression of all -- up a 4th from the previous chord, or up a 5th from the previous chord"