Circle of Fifths

The circle of fifths is a diagram that is used to find how many sharps or flats a particular key has. First, let's look at the outer circle. Starting at C, if we move clockwise notice that the tones progress in fifths. In other words, the fifth of C is G, the fifth of G is D, the fifth of D is A, etc. This organizination is what gives it the name "Circle of Fifths."

The innermost circle is the relative minor of each key. Notice that it also progresses by fifths as the it goes clockwise.

The middle circle gives the amount of sharps or flats. Notice that C (and A minor) have a natural symbol indicating no flats or sharps. As the circle goes clockwise, the number of sharps increase and as the circle moves counterclockwise the number of flats increase. Finally, at Gb/F#, the key can have either 6 sharps or 6 flats.