Circle of fifths

The circle of fifths represents the relationships between the twelve notes that make up the chromatic scale. Consequently it represents the relationships between the twelve degrees of the chromatic scale.

Reading the circle clockwise, the notes or degrees are arranged in succession of perfect fifths.

Reading the circle counterclockwise, the notes or degrees are arranged in succession of perfect fourths.

In other words, clockwise each note or degree is adjacent to its dominant, and counterclockwise to its subdominant.

The relationships between the degrees is manifested as follows:

The clockwise direction corresponds to intervals of a perfect fifth.

The counterclockwise direction corresponds to intervals of a perfect fourth.

The direction towards the center corresponds to an interval of a major sixth.

The outward direction corresponds to an interval of a minor third.

Two diametrically opposed outer degrees are at the tritone interval.

Two diametrically opposed internal degrees are at the tritone interval.

These relationships are identical for any starting degree.

The circle of fifths helps to visualize the harmonic movements of a chord progression, for example the so-called "two-five-one" progression, (often represented as II-V-I) corresponds to a chord built on the second degree followed by a chord built on the fifth degree (dominant) followed by a chord built on the first degree (tonic). 

A chord progression based on three adjacent degrees on the circle of fifths is generally pleasant to listen to. 

The circle of fifths becomes a very practical tool for composing chord progressions, considering the degrees on the circle as the roots of the chords of the chosen scale.  

A musical scale is a selection of degrees. The chromatic scale is the only scale that contains all 12 degrees,  all other scales contain fewer degrees. You will see using your ARN-Music App that each scale has its own circle of fifths. 

Here is how the circle of fifths for the _ALUOTS, Ionian Mode, Major Scale looks like on the ARN-Music Apps: 

How to use the circle of fifths:

1) choose your musical scale

2) choose your progression, for example 2 - 5 - 1

3) look at your ARN-Music App how are che chords based on each degree 

4) play your chord progression

Examples of chord progressions:

1 - 4 - 2 - 5  

6 - 3 - 7 - 1

1 - 6 - 3 - 5 - 2 - 7 - 1

Look how are the harmonic movements on the circle of fifths, and create your own chord progressions.