A Lesson On The Application Of The Circle Of Fourths And Fifths
In today’s lesson, we’ll be focusing on the application of the circle of fourths and fifths.
The circle of fourths and fifths is popular among musicians and its importance cannot be denied because it’s used as a reference in a wide spectrum of topics in music.
Let’s discuss briefly on the circle of fourths and fifths before we get on with its application.
A Short Note On The Circle Of Fourths And Fifths
There are twelve musical notes:
…7 white notes (aka – “naturals”):
…and 5 black notes (aka – “accidentals”):
The geometrical representation of these notes in fourth and fifth intervals produces the circle of fourths. Take a look at all the notes:
…represented in a circle.
It is described as a circle of fourths and fifths because the interval between successive notes in the circle is in fourth and fifth intervals. So, it’s a circle of fourths and circle of fifths as well.
The Circle Of Fourths – Explained
The circle:
…can be considered as fourths in the counter-clockwise direction. For example, from C (on the 12 o’clock position):
… to F (on the 11 o’clock position):
… to Bb (on the 10 o’clock position):
… to Eb (on the 9 o’clock position):
…are all fourth intervals.
The Circle Of Fifths – Explained
The Application Of The Circle Of Fourths And Fifths
Beyond learning about the circle of fourths and fifths lies the knowledge of its application.
Although there are several ways to apply the circle of fourths and fifths, we’ll be focusing on two ways it can be applied:
In the determination of key-signature
In the determination of chord progression
Check it out!
Application #1 – Key Signature
Application #2 – Chord Progression
Final Words
From what you’ve learned in this lesson, I’m very certain that you’ll use the circle of fourths and fifths as a reference whenever topics like key-signature and chord progression are discussed.
In a subsequent lesson, we’ll be learning how to memorize the circle of fourths and fifths.
That’s all for now!
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Chuku Onyemachi
Hello, I'm Chuku Onyemachi (aka - "Dr. Pokey") - a musicologist, pianist, author, clinician and Nigerian. I started teaching musicians in my neighbourhood in April 2005. Today, I'm humbled to work as a music consultant with HearandPlay Music Group for musicians in Africa and beyond.
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