The Circle of Fifths Explained

I wish someone would have demystified the circle of fifths earlier for me. For two years I’ve been planning to animate this video and I finally decided that 2021 was the year that to tackle it. You do not have to memorize the circle of fifths to understand it. You do not have to know the circle of fifths to be a good musician. As many others will attest to - the circle of fifths is a tool that makes making musical decisions easier. If you have ay follow p questions please let me know in the comments. I don’t think that the main takeaway here should be: “Now I know music theory”. The goal here is to show you how this jargon filled concept is actually pretty simple and attainable.

The circle of fifths is kind of at the center of music theory and chord progressions in general. As a follow up we will be going over the practical applications of the circle!

In my next video I am going to go over how to use this knowledge in order to find the key of any song. I hope to expand the other practical uses of the circle of fifths from from there.

[varrickWRLCK]

I've just started learning music production and music theory and your videos are so helpful!! The animations make it super easy to understand! Thank you and keep up the great work!

[FirstLast-nnbj]

It's called the circle of fifths because I'll have to circle back and re-watch this five times in order to under stand it.

[mykeready]

I’ve just started to learn piano.

This video has made things more complicated than I could ever have imagined.

[facepalm]

“By the end of this video, you’re going to understand the circle of fifths”

Me: is that challenge? I am unimaginably stupid.

[GoogleUser-wzil]

I'm gonna cry... PIERCE THE WORLD DON'T DESERVE A HUMAN WITH A HEART THIS GOLD 😭 Thank you very much, mate! Your videos gives off a "history of the entire world, i guess" vibes. Keep up the good works!

[uniworkhorse]

I'm still a little confused, but the mographs definitely helped me understand it a little bit more! Will have to rewatch!

[marucookies]

Hey Pierce, I know I’m a year late but I’ve just gotta express my thanks to you.

I’ve been playing guitar for 6 years and in the back of my mind always wanted to get a better grasp of theory.

Back when I was first introduced to the circle of fifths, I was COMPLETELY confused and it sort of drew me out of music for a bit.

About a year ago I’ve come back more enthusiastic than ever, but theory has still been a thorn in my side. Until now!

Man, your videos about chord progressions and tonality have been so incredibly helpful and inspiring to me as an aspiring musician, and I just want to express my thanks to you.

You’re doing great, man.

[KC-mjuz]

I think some beginners will struggle to understand what you’re sharing. It’s harder for a beginner to keep track of your explanations and examples because you’re going through it fairly quickly.

[AmelAmaruRestrepoCasas]

You're seriously wonderfull at teaching and communicating.

Please don''t stop.

[joshs]

Holy shit, someone finally explained this to me in a way that made sense. You’re great dude, subscribed.

[ocea]

Every time I come back looking for magic info on the circle of fifths I finally remember what the magic in it is and I've only seen one video point this out, which I can't find anymore. The closer keys are in the circle of fifths, the easier you can use them in relation to the preceding key without it sounding weird or off. It's basically a useful guide for making interesting music. If you play a C M7 and then a G M7, you'll see what I mean. The 7th note in G major isn't in the same key, but it still sounds good. C is right next to G in the circle. The single note is enough to be interesting without sounding like a fly in your soup. Then try C M7 and D M7, sounds great, 2 note difference and those two notes are in the D M7 chord. You can also play the D M7 with the G M7 and even make them minor for interesting variations. The possibilities are massive. Experimenting with this gives me the feeling I'm playing real music.

[nko]

man, they way you animate this videos makes it soo much easier to understand. thx you very much =)

[aidanthepanda]

i hate how it's such a well made video but my brain is too slow to process it

[MobiusCoin]

Straight to the point and very clear. And not even a sponsorship! What a perfect video.

[MidlifeSynthesist]

This might be the most valuable video on the internet. I honestly can’t believe I watched this for free. Amazing work! 🙌🏻

[chandanaharim]

Wow! am blown away!
You've just de-mystified what my music teachers and my music-high friends always talk to each other about..
I feel like I've just got INSIDER INFORMATION !!

[marion_roberts]

Plus points for the use of that very strange effect, the Mandelbrot. Great info as always, I see why this took a bit of time.

[piqton]

i see you aren't uploading as much anymore. I've just found your videos and they are the EXACT info density, clarity and "to the pointness" i need. Don't ever stop

[lukasc]

Man keep on doing what you're doing this is great

[rhylieanderson]

i’ve watched several videos on this and even though i don’t yet fully comprehend it, this was the best explanation so far.