Circle of Fifths and Fourths for Worship Piano

The circle of fifths is a map of relationships between keys. Read it clockwise for ascending fifths or in the opposite direction for ascending fourths. The two names describe the same set of pitch relationships from different directions.

Find your way around the circle

Starting at C, clockwise roots are C–G–D–A–E–B–F#/Gb–Db–Ab–Eb–Bb–F–C. Counterclockwise, start C–F–Bb–Eb–Ab–Db–Gb/F#–B–E–A–D–G–C. The enharmonic spellings at the meeting point describe the same piano keys with different written names.

Play the roots slowly. A move from D up to G is a fourth; D down to G is a fifth. The octave you choose changes the interval direction, not the relationship between the two pitch classes.

Connect the circle with key signatures

The order of added sharps is F–C–G–D–A–E–B. The order of added flats is B–E–A–D–G–C–F. These are accidental orders, not a list of chord qualities.

G major has one sharp, F#. D major has two, F# and C#. F major has one flat, Bb; Bb major has two, Bb and Eb. A key signature is shared with its relative minor, so also listen for the tonal centre.

Hear a ii–V–I in the circle

In C major, Dm7–G7–Cmaj7 follows the roots D–G–C. These are descending fifths or ascending fourths. The chord qualities come from the key: Dm7 is minor, G7 is dominant and Cmaj7 is major.

Try left-hand roots D–G–C with right-hand F–A–C, F–B–D and E–B–D. The bass supplies each root. Listen to F moving to E at the final resolution.

Practise one relationship at a time

1. Play only the roots around the circle.
2. Choose one major key and find its ii, V and I.
3. Use close, comfortable voicings before spreading the notes.
4. Move the same progression to another key using its own chord spellings.

The circle helps organise practice; it does not tell you to substitute every chord in a song. Keep the melody and the agreed arrangement in view.

Try the interactive Circle of Fifths, or follow the Major Scales in 12 Keys course to connect each key with its notes.