Circle Of Fifths For Bass (How To Learn & USE!)

A lot of people get really confused when it comes to the Circle of Fifths and Fourths. What is it? How do I use it? Is it actually worth knowing on bass guitar??

The answer to the last question is...yes. Here's what it'll allow you to do:

1. Play in ALL keys
2. Find the relative minor very easily
3. Read music on bass
4. Learn all the notes on your bass fretboard
5. Improvise, write, and jam

✅ If you like this video please like, comment, share and subscribe. It really helps me keep this channel going.

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𝄢Dan 🙏

[Harlembrown]

So I've looked at the Circle of Fifths and Fourths numerous times, and it has literally just clicked for me as a bass player.

Believe it or not, one of the key moments for me was when Dan pointed and showed on the fretboard finding the 5th of C on the major scale, one to the right and two up two notes. Lightbulb moment.

Also, finding the relative minor by simply knowing the 6th not of the Major scale. Yet another lightbulb moment.

Eventually, all of the bulbs in my bass playing chandelier will be lit, but Dan is making the journey a lot shorter and more enjoyable. :)

[brynyowannatkinson]

Ding...the sound of the penny dropping in my head. Pop...the sound of the lightbulb going on in my head also!! I’ve been teaching myself for a few weeks now how to read music. A few days ago, in my two books one book the triple clef, the other specifically for the bass. I came across the section “The Circle of 5ths and 4ths. Sharps and flats, I worked out that if the major scale had 5 sharps then the relative minor must have 2 flats as they’re diatonic so the notes in the scale must add up to seven. I may be wrong here, I have form on being incorrect on lots of things so anyone reading this please call it out. Well, so far so good, then the head scratching started. Put the books away and thought I may know someone who knows about this “Circle of Doom” scrolled through Dans videos and now I refer you back to the Ding and Pop moment at the start of this comment.
Viewing Dans video and listening to the explanation about the “Circle” was truly an eye opening moment for me. All the theory and reading just all fell into place. Mr Hawkins you are truly a bassists guiding light.👍

[daemonwhitebeard]

I have been playing Bass for thirty six years now. I have been beating my head against a wall for the last twenty five years trying to figure out The Circle of Fifths but to no avail. I need a Fifth just to deal with the resulting headache. I have been to every musician I know and have been all over the Net and STILL just don't understand it. To me, speaking only for myself, it IS a useless thing not worth knowing. If others are able to figure it out, well HAPPY BIRTHDAY. You know something I just don't get. I do appreciate the video, don't get me wrong. Stay safe. Stay healthy and god bless.😭

[jakeski]

Best bass instructor I’ve ever had. Dude really understands how to explain.

[travisbartley]

I first started out playing guitar, I have been gigging on bass for almost 25 years I still find my self using power chord shapes even though on bass I play one note at a time.

[AvvieLanche]

OMG FINALLY SOMEONE WHO MADE IT UNDERSTANDABLE FOR ME!! 34 years of staring at drawings and hearing people drone rote memorization never worked. That's not how I learn!! Thank you!!

[jadenoram]

This was amazing. One of the best bass teaching lessons ive seen. Not only for the circle of fiths, but just how you explain everything and the way you teach is very effective.🙏🏽

[fernandopuertollano]

Fantastic class, Dan. After watching other bass channels, I'm hooked on yours. Very very helpful. Also great info in the comments

[EdwinvanderSmissen]

Hi Dan, you are just amzing how easy you can explain all for me. Thanks a lot!

[MelonPlaysBass]

This is actually an insane level of knowledge for me. Wish every bass teacher could teach it this way

[Bassistjunior]

best explination of the circle of fifths I have ever heard

[PushSueAside]

I’ve been playing guitar since 83, and switched to bass in 2019, and today I finally wrapped my head around ‘relative minor”. I know that’s pretty sad, but still... thank you Dan. You help a lot. Cheers

[timroy]

Finally Christmas Gave Dad An Electric your stuff Dan! Thank you.

[EsotericEclectic]

That is the best explanation of the circle of fifths I've heard. I really needed to understand it better than I have. And I wanted to know how I can understand it as a bass player. This really did it for me. Thanks for making this video. I will look for the PDF.

[joez]

for the first time i fully understand how this works! thx so much！！

[nickbudd]

Hi Dan, I've seen the same topic described in several videos and books. You make it very accesible in a way that they don't. I'm looking to move beyond mere theory to the use of this information, and that is where your teaching is really helpful. I find already that I don't feel so restricted on the bass. Thank you

[flatwoundfisker]

Excellent lesson! I have been struggling with this for awhile. Thank you!

[julianflorez]

the best channel for bassist on youtube

[richalfieri]

Best way to understand this tool. Thanks

[johnfollis]

This is a cool lesson. This is something I have heard about and messed around with myself. I feel like the Circle of 4ths is more common than the Circle of 5ths. And I think it is because the Circle of 4ths tends to resonate with the ear a bit easier than the Circle of 5ths. And so the Circle of 5ths seems a bit floppy but with time and practice, you can start to adjust too it.