Ready? Lets dive right into it then.

First of all, the circle of fifths is called so because each key is progressively in 5ths! The circle starts with the key of C maj (no # or b) to it's right is G maj (1 sharp). Count up! C-1, D-2, E-3, F-4, G-5! Hey now we're getting somewhere! IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:: When counting to next key, USE THE KEY SIGNATURE THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN. ex. Key of B. We want to know what the next key is(without looking at the circle) Count up! B-1, C#-2, D#-3, E-4, F#-5. See how important that was? If we hadnt used the key signature of B major of 5 sharps, we would've never gotten there.

Now. Examine the circle of fifths below. C major at the top. F# major at the bottom. To the left of C major is...F? How? Why? What the...? Calm down. Breathe. These keys are the flats, and add a flat each new section, just like the sharps! The order of the flats is...Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb, and Fb.

BTW: The order of the sharps is: F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, and B#.

Now. Take a look inside the circle. See the "Minor keys"? Good. Thats a good sign you're not blind :) These are the RELATVIE MINOR KEYS. This is how to find the key signature of minor keys. Or the other way around. You can know the major key signature and get the relative minor. The relationship is 3 1/2 steps. For guitarists like everyone here, it's 3 frets. Thats easy enough right? Just take any major key and SUBTRACT 3 frets, and you have yourself the relative minor key. Same exact key signature. Difference in Diatonic triads for a minor key. But thats another lesson...

This breakdown should've answered all your question about the circle of fifths. However if you have any more questions, send me an email! Or rate the exercise, and post your question there.

Thats all for me. Later.

-jaredc