Circle of Fifths
Twelve keys arranged by perfect fifths — signatures and distance at a glance
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The circle of fifths arranges the twelve keys by perfect fifths: C → G → D → A → E → B → F♯, and the other way C → F → B♭ → E♭ → A♭ → D♭. Each step adds one sharp or removes one flat; twelve steps return to the start.
It is a map of distance: neighbouring keys differ by a single accidental and are closest; the further apart, the fewer the shared notes and the more a modulation feels like a journey. The usual mistake is to read it as a chord progression — the circle describes relations between keys, not a route every piece must take.
Read deeper → Circle of Fifths
Sources
- 五度圈的构造与调号关系，参 The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, "Circle of fifths"；本文为原创表述
Used for fact-checking only; all prose is original.