 April, 2000
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Learning with the Circle of Fifths or, How to Learn Hundreds of Pieces in All Keys
by Wilfred Adler You can learn how to play hundreds of musical pieces in all keys when you discover the meaning of the
following statement: The basic harmonic design of all music since the 17th century is the circle of fifths, which is the natural movement of chords.
 Generally speaking, since the seventeenth century, the Circle of Fifths has been the harmonic basis of all Western music. In simple terms, this means that the ii chord has a strong tendency to go down a perfect 5th (same as a perfect 4th up) to the V chord, which, in turn has an equally strong tendency to go down a 5th or up a 4th to the I chord.
Consequently, the following progressions are some of the most common in all Western music:  A 4th up is the same as a 5th down. The I chord may go to any chord, then the tendency is to move down a 5th or up a 4th. J. S. Bach could not have written without the circle of 5ths.
Likewise, 20th century pop and jazz are based on the circle of fifths. The standard progresions occur over and over again in all music. To a pop-jazz pianist, a "tune" is often one or more of these standard progressions over which a melody or improvisation takes place. Like wise, in the classics, hymns and folk music, the same progressions occur repeatedly. For example, the I - IV - ii - V - I progression can be found in "Blue Moon" and "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," as well as "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" and "Jesu Joy of
Man's Desiring." A Two-Fold Study of the Circle of FifthsPractice the following circle of fifth exercises. Be able to begin on any chord and go through the circle of twelve keys. Remember: A perfect fifth down is the same as a perfect fourth up. Say the letter names of the chords out loud as you play.    Second - Movement in Fifths Within the Diatonic Chords of a Keyincluding the diminished fifth    Examples of the circle of 5ths are endless, especially during the Baroque period. Here are two of the many examples from the works of Handel. |
