Free Tool
Circle of Fifths
Click any key to see its relative minor, its neighbors, and the full set of diatonic chords. An essential reference for songwriters and musicians.
LandChords lets you set a key for your song. Once set, the chord palette shows only diatonic chords for that key, and AI suggestions stay in key automatically.
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What is the circle of fifths?
The circle of fifths arranges all 12 major keys in a loop where each adjacent key is a perfect fifth apart. Moving clockwise adds one sharp to the key signature; moving counterclockwise adds one flat. C major (no sharps or flats) sits at the top.
Keys that sit next to each other on the circle share 6 of their 7 notes. That proximity makes modulation between adjacent keys smooth and natural, which is why the circle is the single most useful diagram in music theory.
How to use the circle for songwriting
Finding chords that fit: the diatonic chords for any key are built entirely from the notes of that key. All seven chords in the panel below the wheel sound "inside" the key you selected.
Borrowing from neighbors: the dominant key (clockwise) and the subdominant (counterclockwise) share six notes with your key. Borrowing a chord from either neighbor creates tension that pulls back to your home key.
Modulation: moving to an adjacent key mid-song is the smoothest possible key change. The shared chords act as a pivot. Moving to the key directly opposite (six steps away) creates maximum contrast.
Relative minor: every major key shares all 7 notes with its relative minor (shown in the inner ring). A song can move between C major and A minor using the same chords, creating a shift in emotional character without changing key.
Frequently asked questions
What is a perfect fifth?
A perfect fifth is an interval of 7 semitones (e.g., C to G). It is the most consonant interval after the octave, which is why it defines the structure of the circle. The V chord in any key (the dominant) is built on the note a fifth above the root.
Why does the circle use flats and sharps together?
F# and Gb sound the same but are enharmonically spelled differently. At the bottom of the circle, keys like F# major (6 sharps) and Gb major (6 flats) are the same pitch but written differently depending on context. The circle shows the preferred spelling for each key.
How do I find the chords for a song?
Click the key of your song. The seven chords in the panel are all the naturally occurring chords in that key. Most pop and folk songs use only the I, IV, and V chords (or I, V, vi, IV). Start there and add others for color.