Songs that use the Circle of Fifths progression

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  • Опубліковано 27 бер 2024
  • Also, if you're thinking right now, "Isn't Am to Dm a perfect fourth, not a perfect fifth?"... well, I've made an extra addendum video to explain just that: • Is this a Perfect 5th ... 🎼😀
    📌 In case you're wondering why there is a harsh cut in the middle of this video, it's because there was previously a sponsored segment there which was removed due to the sponsor ceasing trading.
    The Circle of Fifths is one of the most important concepts for understanding music theory. Whether it's notes in a melody, key centers in a modulation or chords in a chord progression, the Circle of Fifths can shine some light onto why certain musical relationships sound more harmonious than others.
    And, an extra special thanks goes to Douglas Lind, Vidad Flowers, Ivan Pang, Waylon Fairbanks, Jon Dye, Austin Russell, Christopher Ryan, Toot & Paul Peijzel, the channel’s Patreon saints! 😇
    SUPPORT ME ON PATREON: / davidbennettpiano 🎹
    0:00 the Circle of 5ths progression
    1:43 why fifths?
    5:50 anti-clockwise Vs clockwise
    7:16 Light My Fire by The Doors
    8:43 why not constant perfect 5ths?
    14:18 Patreon

КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,7 тис.

  • @DavidBennettPiano
    @DavidBennettPiano  2 роки тому +418

    If you're thinking right now, "Isn't Am to Dm a perfect fourth, not a perfect fifth?"... well, I've made an extra addendum video to explain just that: ua-cam.com/video/PknOTF84_WQ/v-deo.html 🎼😀

    • @rmartin971
      @rmartin971 2 роки тому +5

      Thanks.

    • @thepostapocalyptictrio4762
      @thepostapocalyptictrio4762 2 роки тому +2

      so true!

    • @VinceWhitacre
      @VinceWhitacre 2 роки тому +16

      And that is precisely why you need that offset chord, the diminished, the flat 3, whatever, to get back "home."
      for those of us who grew up hearing primarily western music, we're accustomed to certain relationships between tones and chords. If you go from C to F, that's a fifth... but only if C is the V. Like you point out after playing your composition, it never feels really resolved because it sounds like there's a new tonal center with each chord change. V to I. If, on the other hand, C is your I chord... well, like you said, then you're moving by a fourth. V to I is resolved; but I to IV is (traditionally) not.
      Which is ultimately what's so compelling about such a progression. String enough together and you've got a sequence of changes that are perfect cadences and an unresolved tension at the same time.

    • @towlie337
      @towlie337 2 роки тому +1

      Very cool lesson.....but how you gonna use jimi hendrix's hey Joe and then play some one ELSE play and sing it!?! TF?

    • @NNnn-zc2bm
      @NNnn-zc2bm 2 роки тому +26

      @@towlie337 if he plays Jimmy' s version then most likely UA-cam will block the video

  • @CSGATI
    @CSGATI Рік тому +1290

    Musicians never die they just decompose.

  • @reddraws
    @reddraws Рік тому +633

    playing all the chords in the circle of fifths feels like creating a dramatic climax that can never end

    • @johnny14980
      @johnny14980 Рік тому +45

      That is exactly the issue with playing it as is. Every chord is essentially the same transition so there’s no way to differentiate which one is which

    • @ajl8198
      @ajl8198 Рік тому +10

      That is so true which is why i have a guilty pleasure for alot of these songs

    • @David-iv6je
      @David-iv6je Рік тому +2

      Eventually comes off as twee.

    • @ndavid901101
      @ndavid901101 Рік тому +8

      Try to do it clockwise with only minor chords instead of mayors. If you grouping them by three for example in a time signature of 3/4 or 9/8, you will end up on the starting chord by a less awkward way. It's all about your melody and/or countermelody to make this circle satisfying. ;)
      On the top of that, you can create a four bar chordprogression that is fitting into the classic 4-8-12 bars trend.

    • @joaquinlezcano2372
      @joaquinlezcano2372 10 місяців тому +2

      Yes - Awaken

  • @MultiBeerme
    @MultiBeerme 11 місяців тому +55

    The circle of 5ths is something I use a lot as a DJ.
    Knowing what key your tracks are in helps greatly when blending melodies.

  • @Stoney3K
    @Stoney3K 2 роки тому +145

    Also note that the diminished fifth is *exactly* 180 degrees opposite the chord it came from -- much like the complimentary colour on a colour wheel. That's why it doesn't sound dissonant, but instead provides a moment of tension which can then naturally resolve through the momentum along the rest of the circle.

  • @sweethands4328
    @sweethands4328 2 роки тому +343

    As a guitarist that has played by ear quite well for over two decades. I would like to say, I have learned more theory from your videos in the last few months than I have since playing. I know most of what you cover, but I have never been able to put a name on what I was intuitively doing by ear. I have watched other videos but you put things in the most digestible way. If the student has not learned, then the teacher has not taught anything. Thank you and keep up the great work. You are doing great!

    • @winemeister
      @winemeister Рік тому +6

      That's a very nice comment, and David deserves the acknowledgement. I agree with what you say. I studied piano from age 4 till about 12 and then foolishly allowed it to fold when my tutor died. Like you, I have all this musical knowledge floating around in my head and can usually tell where a piece of music is heading, like sentences music has to make sense. You're also doing great as well as a student, remember you can lead a horse to water but can't make it drink.

    • @DaddyKratosOfTheShire
      @DaddyKratosOfTheShire Рік тому +2

      Yeah as a guitar player I was looking for this exactly but didn't know how to word it

    • @MikehMike01
      @MikehMike01 Рік тому +1

      theory is bogus

    • @QKvox
      @QKvox Рік тому +2

      Similar story here haha, ive been playing piano for a while and have a teacher and everything and school but ive learnt so much more theory here than there

    • @minerpvpgaming2160
      @minerpvpgaming2160 Рік тому +1

      @@MikehMike01 ur probably tone deaf

  • @jnathan7171
    @jnathan7171 2 роки тому +322

    I have to say it because it’s incredible, the circle of fifth works exactly like a chromatic circle, the way colors fit together in a painting or any visual artwork. Like three colors next to each others are going to look good because they have a color in common (like orange contains both red and yellow so those three colors fit well), and two colors at the opposite of this circle create a contrast that makes them look good as well when together.

    • @greenatom
      @greenatom 2 роки тому +2

      I think that's it!

    • @DOGOID
      @DOGOID 2 роки тому +10

      I always likened the circle of fifths to the colour wheel.

    • @1998Cebola
      @1998Cebola 2 роки тому +5

      You should check out the Adam Neely talk on Ableton's channel if you want a deep dive in the correlation between color and pitch!

    • @RAYGERVATO
      @RAYGERVATO 2 роки тому +9

      Jimi Hendrix spoke of how he visualized sound and tones as
      color hues do in relation to one another on the colorwheel. We
      know he was great but.... wow!
      He played by ear, yet was able-
      to visualize sound, in his mind.

    • @ClueSign
      @ClueSign 2 роки тому +2

      Synesthesia is cool.

  • @maloosecat123
    @maloosecat123 25 днів тому +4

    That change from F to Bdim always has a powerful pull on me in music!

  • @toddism
    @toddism Рік тому +31

    I took guitar and banjo lessons for over a decade and nobody ever explained it like this. I also took music theory for 1 quarter in high school and HATED it. You have a gift.

  • @TheMister123
    @TheMister123 2 роки тому +565

    The pre-existing song that you couldn't find that uses the entire circle is indeed Yes's "Awaken". Please check it out.
    And no, Rick Wakeman and co. didn't lose track of their tonal centre at all. But it *is* meant to be a forever-ascending sequence, so the feel is indeed as you say.

    • @yarlodek5842
      @yarlodek5842 2 роки тому +21

      Glad you mentioned that song!

    • @DavidBennettPiano
      @DavidBennettPiano  2 роки тому +103

      Nice! I’ll check it out now!

    • @cakemartyr5794
      @cakemartyr5794 2 роки тому +36

      @@DavidBennettPiano More Yes please (pun intended)

    • @mikeprager4773
      @mikeprager4773 2 роки тому +33

      @@DavidBennettPiano We Yes fans obviously want you to listen to and love the whole song, but you can hear the full circle at around 10:35 here ua-cam.com/video/59feSG8U5EQ/v-deo.html . Starts on E and goes counter-clockwise.

    • @JeffJefferyUK
      @JeffJefferyUK 2 роки тому +12

      Beat me to it. What a fantastic piece of music. Yes at their/its best.

  • @jwhit98
    @jwhit98 2 роки тому +131

    Dave Brubeck’s “In Your Own Sweet Way” takes the circle of fifths all the way from A to B, omitting just the final E that leads back to A. They’re all 7th chords: A7-D7-G7-C7-F7-Bb7-Eb7-Ab7-Db7-Gb7-B7. And it’s not an exercise. It’s a beautiful song.

  • @Lily-Bravo
    @Lily-Bravo Рік тому +49

    I've been dipping in and out of music theory for nearly 60 years and thought lockdown would give me a chance to focus on "getting" it. Well that failed, but today, your video has made the penny drop. Your clear presentation, and use of particular favourite songs has really helped move me on. Thank you so much.

  • @knutz7
    @knutz7 Рік тому +68

    Been struggling with bass for over 40 years, found UA-cam videos on the circle of fifths only recently but none are as good as this as far as demonstrating it to a music/tab/cord illiterate.
    I knew I liked playing hey Joe tho, now I know why and also why I like the Beatles medley so much.
    Thank you for explaining it in such an easy to understand way, now I might get somewhere.

  • @johntousseau9380
    @johntousseau9380 2 роки тому +346

    Wouldn't be a David Bennett video without a Beatles example. You Never Give Me Your Money is one of my favorite Beatles' songs. Everything from the Abbey Road B side is just a freakin' masterpiece.

    • @dalebaker9109
      @dalebaker9109 2 роки тому +9

      It sure is a fabulous album.

    • @darrenmayer9604
      @darrenmayer9604 2 роки тому +3

      thanks i was wondering what the name of that song was

    • @randomchannel1566
      @randomchannel1566 2 роки тому +1

      Except Sun King

    • @johntousseau9380
      @johntousseau9380 2 роки тому +11

      @@randomchannel1566 really? I think it's really good.

    • @randomchannel1566
      @randomchannel1566 2 роки тому +2

      @@johntousseau9380 I feel like it's a waste of time compared to what comes next

  • @c0nga
    @c0nga 2 роки тому +73

    your videos have really been helping me get a grip of music theory, it really helps me understand why my favorite songs sound so good! (and also helps me realize why the beatles were so important)

  • @krakenhawkstratdude204
    @krakenhawkstratdude204 2 роки тому +25

    This is by far the best video on the circle of fifths I’ve seen. Thank you explaining it so well.

  • @paulrandig
    @paulrandig Рік тому +12

    I knew everything you were telling us today. But I could never tell it that way. That's why I am happy that you bring this fascinating topic in such an easily understandable way, so that many people understand how wonderful music theory can be.

  • @charlesneuzil5765
    @charlesneuzil5765 2 роки тому +60

    Superb video and explanation/demonstration. "Autumn Leaves" is another that has a cool use of the Circle of Fifths as well. I will often run through various chord arpeggios thought the circle going counter clockwise as it is so common in many jazz standards, at least so I've noticed! Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

    • @DavidBennettPiano
      @DavidBennettPiano  2 роки тому +13

      Autumn Leaves is a great example! As is All The Things You Are which is another classic jazz standard😀

    • @djabroni_brochacho4644
      @djabroni_brochacho4644 2 роки тому +1

      Yeah I thought his classical example was Autumn leaves for a second. My unlearned self would've assumed that example progression is just the key of C with a secondary dominant.

  • @calebfudrums
    @calebfudrums 2 роки тому +67

    my god this is so well put together. the examples are so helpful, the commentary is so insightful… this might be my favourite video of yours yet haha. alsooo earth wind and fire’s after the love is gone is a fantastic example of beautiful P5s too!

  • @donaadler6208
    @donaadler6208 Рік тому +14

    FINALLY! I understand WHY and not just HOW!! Thanks David! You are an exemplary instructor!

  • @DaneBryantFrazier
    @DaneBryantFrazier Рік тому +8

    Your piece there at the end demonstrating the full circle of fifths was like the most unsatisfying thing ever because it just kept going and there was no end lol. So cool and what a great video on this subject.

  • @SpanishMoonRock
    @SpanishMoonRock 2 роки тому +89

    Been playing music for 20 years. I thought the circle of 5ths was a method for remembering your sharps and flats. I didn’t realize you could play it. And I have played three of those songs he mentioned.

    • @yapyap66
      @yapyap66 2 роки тому +5

      But oh the circle of fifths gets much much deeper than this fragment
      There is a incredible video on UA-cam that blows my mind I will post it here for you if I can find it

    • @JiveDadson
      @JiveDadson 2 роки тому

      What do you play?

    • @Boddissatva
      @Boddissatva Рік тому

      Ya me too. I’ll
      Have to play this now

  • @JMaxfield09
    @JMaxfield09 2 роки тому +28

    Here's some examples in C major (off-tonic, IV-ii-V-I):
    Rocky Raccoon (The Beatles)
    Saturday in the Park (Chicago)
    Lovefool (The Cardigans)
    Also "Perfect Day" by Lou Reed (i-IV-VII-III-Vi-iv-V)
    & "Virtual Insanity" by Jamiroquai (7-bar verse: i-IV7-VII7-III7-VI7-vi-V7)

  • @stevesatterwhite5141
    @stevesatterwhite5141 2 роки тому +2

    THIS IS THE MOST HELPFUL look at this topic that I have ever encountered.

  • @RobertViani
    @RobertViani Рік тому +8

    Fantastic video. After years of listening these songs are basically in my DNA. Perfect method of illustrating not just the sound but the feel of the notes as they relate to each other and the ear. Well done.

  • @LuckyLootCrate
    @LuckyLootCrate 2 роки тому +82

    This is literally the perfect video and the perfect timing! I am presenting a lesson on circle of fifths in a few days, and these examples are exactly what I need! Thank you very much

    • @DavidBennettPiano
      @DavidBennettPiano  2 роки тому +3

      Thank you!

    • @jamesmcinnis208
      @jamesmcinnis208 2 роки тому

      "literally"

    • @theavitaravitar1884
      @theavitaravitar1884 Рік тому

      You should be awarded a noble prize for education.... ive learned so much from you. A new lesson always. makes my day. I've been playing music for many years and this is the best explenation of the circle of fiths I've ever seen. Thank you, You rock!

  • @BobMcKinstry
    @BobMcKinstry 2 роки тому +11

    Another gem. The composition around the CoF was almost disturbing. I kept waiting for a tonic to let me know I was home. It never came.

    • @DavidBennettPiano
      @DavidBennettPiano  2 роки тому +5

      It’s weird isn’t it! It sounds harmonious and pleasing and yet disoriented!

  • @bornwithoutprivilege2050
    @bornwithoutprivilege2050 Рік тому +4

    This was not only interesting and held my attention but it taught me more about music and composition than I have ever learnt. You are a good teacher, a better compliment I cannot say.

  • @michaelfoster4191
    @michaelfoster4191 Рік тому +2

    These illustrations are clutch; maybe it's just the way I learn, but your ability to show what you're talking about is a game changer for me, nice work...

  • @reluctantly_anthony
    @reluctantly_anthony 2 роки тому +283

    6:52 I actually love the C to E transition. Sounds like something Philip Glass would do

    • @Propane_Acccessories
      @Propane_Acccessories 2 роки тому +9

      I got a Muse vibe off of that

    • @JiveDadson
      @JiveDadson 2 роки тому +17

      Something Coltrane would do. (Giant steps.)

    • @TheDeadOfNight37
      @TheDeadOfNight37 Рік тому +16

      He said it was stark and I was ready for something unpleasant, sounded really good

    • @terrylaw18
      @terrylaw18 Рік тому +21

      That C to E chord structure , major to major or even dominant major third interval is used all over the place in country, rock n roll, older pop & even blues. Has a very distinctive sound. Once you learn the sound shape can be recognized easily.

    • @isakkkkkk
      @isakkkkkk Рік тому +8

      I think Elton John use this chord progression in Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

  • @photoguy4212
    @photoguy4212 Рік тому +3

    I’m a guitar player and this is probably the greatest tip I’ve ever heard. Thank you for providing. You’re incredibly talented and a great teacher.

  • @228Brendon
    @228Brendon Рік тому +36

    The 2nd guitar solo on “A man I’ll never be” from Boston’s 2nd album goes through a full round of the circle of fifths and resolves back into its key. It’s beautiful.

  • @grrlpurpleable
    @grrlpurpleable 2 роки тому +78

    An endless circle of fifths felt to me like the harmonic equivalent of a Shepard Tone! :D

    • @philcollinslover56705
      @philcollinslover56705 2 роки тому +3

      oh wow it would. all the chords interlock into each other 😯

    • @pulykamell
      @pulykamell 2 роки тому +6

      Yes it’s making me quite anxious not having a resolution to that progression.

    • @oldnelson4298
      @oldnelson4298 2 роки тому +2

      I was going to write the exact same thing!

    • @scatlar2
      @scatlar2 2 роки тому +1

      Omg same bro I stg I feel so not good after listening to him go on on with that 😵‍💫😵‍💫 :( so unsatisfying

  • @TSutton
    @TSutton 2 роки тому +10

    Absolutely great to have a video that featured a lot of your actual piano playing akin to Adam Neely/Charles Cornell, this really adds a lot to your videos and I hope you keep it up!

  • @jongiles415
    @jongiles415 Рік тому +4

    Thank you for this video, as a music teacher, whom was self taught all his life; theory has always been the door hardest for me unlock. This will be a constant watch to help understand this theory. Thank you.

  • @sinewaymusic
    @sinewaymusic Рік тому +66

    Very interesting! I guess the human mind is wired to look for patterns, and with 12 consecutive chords, no matter how pleasant they sound together, the brain struggles to spot the pattern. This is probably why the most popular music today all use 4/4 or maybe 3/4 or 6/8 time signatures and fairly predictable chord progressions limited to maximum of 4 progressions. Four is a bit of a magic number in terms of how much the brain can comfortably keep in the short term memory. Thanks for making these videos!

    • @Trithnania
      @Trithnania Рік тому +7

      Not just that, but grouping things in pairs makes it easier to have question/answer patterns. Measure 2 is the answer of measure 1 and measure 4 is the answer if measure 3. And at the same time measures 3 and 4 together are the answers to measures 1 and 2 together.

  • @boomerdell
    @boomerdell 2 роки тому +14

    What a gifted teacher, presenter, producer, and musician. Thank you, Muses, for sending us David!

  • @Arnwald
    @Arnwald 2 роки тому +178

    There's also the possibility to swap the Bdim with a B flat, making the F a perfect fifth and the B flat a diminished fifth, like in "She's always a woman" by Billy Joel or "Hello" by Lionel Richie

    • @DavidBennettPiano
      @DavidBennettPiano  2 роки тому +40

      Yeah I love that! I think that is also done in “Windmills of your mind” by Noel Harrison

    • @ericrakestraw664
      @ericrakestraw664 2 роки тому +15

      "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" by Christopher Cross also does that.

    • @bigdog2432
      @bigdog2432 2 роки тому +6

      Big dog big turd “stinkin mornin” also does it

    • @ericrakestraw664
      @ericrakestraw664 2 роки тому +2

      @@bigdog2432 I don't think I've heard that one before.

    • @justintroyka8855
      @justintroyka8855 2 роки тому +2

      Elton John, "Funeral for a Friend", does this!

  • @paulgoodwin1029
    @paulgoodwin1029 Рік тому +23

    That was fascinating. As a lifelong Yes fan I instantly recognized the progressions of a chunk of their epic "Awaken", from 13:43 until about 14:00 here. 👍🏻👍🏻
    Any other Yes fans hear it?

    • @888bam
      @888bam Рік тому

      Yes! Awaken starts on E

    • @markjacobsen8335
      @markjacobsen8335 Рік тому +1

      I've been sharing "Awaken" as a circle of fifths example for a few decades now. They use it in several places, the most prominent being the "Workings of man" section, and then the "Masters of" section into the great climactic part right before the choir comes in. Another familiar piece that uses it is Genesis "Firth Of Fifth", which they humorously refer to in that son's title as they make a play on words on Firth Of Forth, which is an estuary in Scotland.

  • @ronbergendee488
    @ronbergendee488 2 роки тому +3

    You just clicked baited me into learning the circle of fifths the best way anyone has thought me thank you.

  • @omnipop4936
    @omnipop4936 2 роки тому +42

    Man, that nearly minute-and-a-half passage starting at 12:35 was flippin' _gorgeous._ For some reason, doing laps around the 'Circle' produces (in me anyway) a sort of "hope springs eternal" feeling - like, a new day is suddenly dawning with each chord change, as you realize you're not quite where you _thought_ you were, tonally. Like being continually surprised and delighted. Does anyone else feel that? Wow.

    • @alasdairmacintyre9383
      @alasdairmacintyre9383 Рік тому +9

      Haha it kind of drives me crazy. It's like the shepard tone of chord progressions and never feels like it resolves!

    • @andersjjensen
      @andersjjensen Рік тому +2

      It would work perfectly for a "We're training/prepping for plot-height mission"-scene in a movie... PROVIDED that once the final nail is in/the last push-up has been pushed/the critical gadget has been acquired, then the bloody thing resolves with a V->I so we can all get a sense of accomplishment! :P

    • @kevinr.3542
      @kevinr.3542 Рік тому +1

      For me its constantly resolving, and the home key just keeps changing.

    • @krishtchin4324
      @krishtchin4324 Рік тому

      it isn’t very pretty, listen to basically any vivaldi piece for a great example of actual beautiful c of fifths

    • @list55
      @list55 Рік тому

      Way too construed

  • @oelarnes
    @oelarnes 2 роки тому +25

    Recently I've been inspired by the B section of the song "Everyday" performed by Buddy Holly. It's a true circle of fifths shortcutted by a tritone substitution: Eb -> Ab -> Db -> Gb -> Cb -> Bb -> Eb. Not only because of the marvelous Cb in a pop song, but it's such an elegant construction for a simple song form. I'd be interested in other songs like this, since it's close to your ideal of going "all the way around" with the strong resolution on each change back to the root.

    • @empresaglova1268
      @empresaglova1268 2 роки тому +5

      What a spectacular song that. Buddy Holly is a legendary songwriter

    • @terrylaw18
      @terrylaw18 Рік тому +1

      Guy I worked with back in the 70s/80s. Everyday was his theme song. Opened each show with it. I played hammond c3 in it & later left hand key bass also. Ironically, when I first learned the song I had never heard it by Buddy. Rock n roll songs in that era didn't get much exposure. Later when I heard it done by Buddy I still remember my comment that our version rocked way harder. I did a hammond solo in the bell sounding part and carried through the chorus, circle part. A great song. Buddy was indeed one of the greatest. Check out his version of "Early in the morning"

  • @sleepwalking117
    @sleepwalking117 Рік тому +1

    I've been trying to understand the circle of fifths for years now and you finally made it click. Also for any guitarists out there, to find the circle of fifths use a 2 note power chords like 3rd fret with is C and G. From the G start a new power chord which is G and D, continue the pattern and you've got it.

  • @enriquepalacio62
    @enriquepalacio62 Рік тому +4

    This video broadened my musical horizon a lot. You are a teacher, thank you very much from Perú
    Este video abrió mi horizonte musical, eres un verdadero maestro. Muchas gracias desde Perú
    👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇵🇪👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

  • @feliciab2
    @feliciab2 2 роки тому +7

    The progression you played at the beginning instantly brought to mind the introduction and chorus of Could It be Magic (based on Chopin's Prelude in C Minor). I checked the chords and it doesn't quite fit but it sounded so similar.

    • @atomicchanteuse5095
      @atomicchanteuse5095 2 роки тому

      EXACTLY the song(s) I was thinking of! Too many younger people of today haven't been exposed to Manilow's great skill for weaving Classical techniques with Pop style because he was so rudely written off by Rock critics and fans of edgier music.

    • @feliciab2
      @feliciab2 2 роки тому +1

      @@atomicchanteuse5095 Yeah my mum was a fan so I grew up with it. But I believe Take That did a version of it when Robbie Williams was still with them so I thought perhaps younger people might be more familiar with it through them.

    • @atomicchanteuse5095
      @atomicchanteuse5095 2 роки тому

      @@feliciab2 Unfortunately, Take That was a One-Hit-Wonder group here in the US. Solo Robbie did better here than with the group! But, I digress...

  • @qydyralikulov4599
    @qydyralikulov4599 2 роки тому +9

    Good vid, as always, man! Even though I've heard of this circle of fifth thing before in my music school, you've shed more light to it, and it made me look at all this stuff in a different perspective for a little, and you've used all the songs that I thought would make a nice tutorial in this topic, which is cool and spooky 😅 been playing all those songs in and out and you never know how things are related to each other until you try to make connections. :) Thanks for your content man!

  • @jonyates8821
    @jonyates8821 2 роки тому +7

    "Awaken" by Yes uses all 12 chords from the circle as follows: E, A/C#, D/A, G, C/E, F/C, Bb, Eb/G, Ab/Eb, Db, Gb/Bb, B/F#. It repeats multiple times and as you point out feels very ambiguous in regards to key.

  • @lpa9974
    @lpa9974 Рік тому +1

    Excellent video on the Circle of Fifths Chord Progressions! I am looking forward to sharing this with my piano students. I never tire of watching and learning from your vast knowledge of music. Even when it’s a bit over my head, I just hang in there and keep replaying until I eventually get it. 👍 And I would like to mention that one of my favorite things about you is your comment section where you so obviously take the extra time to respond to your viewers to help them further understand your topics. That is dedication and I appreciate your effort and energy. It is so rewarding. I feel so fortunate to have found you and your music channel. Take care and I will be on the lookout for your next video. (I am thoroughly excited to be one of your subscribers!)

  • @glazdarklee1683
    @glazdarklee1683 2 роки тому +3

    This was such an excellent presentation. That so many diverse songs all use the same progression is refreshing, but also challenging when attempting to compose music. It is easy to fall into a comforting pattern and end up simply re-inventing a familiar song.

  • @fathuman
    @fathuman 2 роки тому +34

    Gary Moore's trademark ballad sound is typically based around Circle of Fifths progressions. Still Got the Blues, Spanish Guitar, The Loner, Parisian Walkways, One Day. Typically he'd write a structured melody on top and then cut loose and shred all over the cycle later on in the song.

    • @kippsguitar6539
      @kippsguitar6539 2 роки тому

      Yes they all sound extremely similar

    • @bojo18
      @bojo18 2 роки тому +1

      i love still got the blues

  • @Gilpow
    @Gilpow 11 місяців тому +1

    The intro to Green Day's Restless Heart Syndrome is a circle of fifths!
    The song seemingly randomly popped into my head shortly after watching this video and, now that I've checked on my guitar: it's a circle of fifths indeed! I remember when I was 15 listening to the song for the first time and being fairly impressed by that chord progression (even though, while seemingly rather complex, it did nonetheless sound fairly "conventional" to my ears). It's good to know what the heck that was! Haha
    Much love to you, David. You're by far the best music education content creator on UA-cam.

  • @K.Dor.888
    @K.Dor.888 Рік тому

    It shows that Tension is the most important part of the song...
    When you apply that tension and how you do it is up to the composer.
    Wow,... Amazing I love your channel and I learn so much. Thank you.

  • @roberth9197
    @roberth9197 2 роки тому +21

    'Hold Me Tight' by Paul McCartney/Wings (not the Beatles song of the same name) does 11 steps round the chord cycle. Starting at the D chord at the end of the verse it's then anticlockwise steps all the way through the chorus leading to A by the start of the next verse. So D to A the long way round.

    • @robertgrimes691
      @robertgrimes691 Рік тому

      I’m so glad you mentioned this! The is a monumental achievement by Paul! Fittingly he sings “I’ve waited all my life for you!”

  • @billcarsonasmr5022
    @billcarsonasmr5022 Рік тому +3

    Im an intermediate guitarist .. i love different genres of music n i always played songs composed according to the circle of fifth but i never got to know the name of this beautifull relaxing lovely chord progression i was playing till lately when i came across this video .. thanks buddy

  • @LeJazzfan
    @LeJazzfan 2 роки тому +2

    Whoaaaa... I didn't know you can arrange music like you do colors. This video has been hanging on the right column for a few weeks. So glad I decided to watch it.

  • @johnmorrell
    @johnmorrell Рік тому +67

    One of the most profound uses of the Circle is the song Awaken by Yes. It's a real masterpiece of melodic construction and dynamism. I do believe they are also using Fibonacci in the quiet organ and harp section in the middle of the song as well. All that, in one amazing piece of music!

    • @GlobalWarring
      @GlobalWarring Рік тому +1

      The most incredible and uplifting piece I ever heard 🙏

    • @markjacobsen8335
      @markjacobsen8335 Рік тому

      YES "Awaken" is my favorite piece of music of all time.

    • @piadas804
      @piadas804 11 місяців тому

      My favourite song that uses that progression is Yoiyami no Uta by sound horizon, it's so epic

    • @Don-ri5ve
      @Don-ri5ve 3 місяці тому

      What's Fibonacci? Apart from the spiral

  • @TheHappySpaceman
    @TheHappySpaceman 2 роки тому +14

    Great video! I can think of one hit song from the 1980s, "Never Gonna Let You Go" by Sergio Mendes, that heavily uses the Circle of Fifths progression in its, but was almost constantly changing key signatures (I think it had 26 in total?), making it a very unique example. Rick Beato did a video on it a while back.

  • @jalawto
    @jalawto 2 роки тому +5

    Two things. Firstly when you played the chord progression to give an example of a disjointed sound, it sounded like Wurthering Heights, ha! And, this channel is so amazing I almost don’t want it to get too popular or everyone will end up being a wicked songwriter : D

    • @Roikat
      @Roikat 2 роки тому +2

      You’re exactly right, Wuthering Heights has a wandering series of major chords that don’t connect by normal functional harmony. That technique is used a lot in movie scores as well.

  • @joejohnson4423
    @joejohnson4423 Рік тому

    I thank you, I love you . For the 1st time, I get what the circle of fiths about. I've known about it for years and just did not get it and you're intuitive detail Explanation helps me understand it. I truly understand now. I used to say what's it even for.

  • @boriscat1999
    @boriscat1999 Рік тому

    Fantastic video. You put together a lot of concepts for composition in just over 15 minutes, and with real world examples. Thanks for putting this together!

  • @dancollinsandapiano
    @dancollinsandapiano 2 роки тому +45

    5:23 - I kinda.. dig the “chaotic” chord motion haha.

    • @jeromeescudier6071
      @jeromeescudier6071 2 роки тому +4

      Do you know a band called Cardiacs? some of their songs sounds like this Edit: For exemple "Wind and rain is cold" have this feeling i think

    • @112BALAGE112
      @112BALAGE112 2 роки тому +3

      Then John Coltrane - Giant Steps is for you.

    • @SirBenjiful
      @SirBenjiful 2 роки тому +2

      Plenty of music both popular and experimental uses chord movement like that, it doesn’t even necessarily sound chaotic especially if justified by the melody, arrangement, & voice leading.
      Either approach to harmony can be appropriate, depending on your aesthetic goals!

    • @pepafonico
      @pepafonico 2 роки тому

      So do I! That chord motion could easily be a Kate Bush song like Wuthering Heights, for example

  • @hrdwrd2570
    @hrdwrd2570 2 роки тому +28

    I find moving between unrelated chords gives that grungy feel to songs. In combination with a cool vocal melody it makes for beautifully unique ambiances.

    • @prettyshinyspaghetti8332
      @prettyshinyspaghetti8332 2 роки тому +3

      Agreed. I actually made a song with chords that aren't typically together, and I immediately got a grungy cound

    • @SeanLaMontagne
      @SeanLaMontagne 2 роки тому +4

      I have learned to be weary when the words "unpleasant" or "bad" is used in music theory videos (and classes), because of how much our tastes are based on our culture.

  • @FabianPortilla
    @FabianPortilla 2 роки тому

    This is the most useful video i've seen about circle of 5th's. I've been stuck creating music lately. But this veido and II, V I, have been a game changer. Thanks so much David!

  • @johnwebb4499
    @johnwebb4499 7 місяців тому +1

    You're an awesome teacher bro. I taught myself to play piano watching channels like yours.
    I can play 300-400 songs now. After just 3 fun years of practicing and 4 years of studying Music Theory.
    I love it

    • @DavidBennettPiano
      @DavidBennettPiano  7 місяців тому +1

      Excellent,thank you 😊😊

    • @leonardoiglesias2394
      @leonardoiglesias2394 6 місяців тому +1

      I can play all the Mahler Symphonies on the clarinet. After playing 54 years the clarinet.

  • @MatthewShawMusic
    @MatthewShawMusic 2 роки тому +9

    The Strokes use all 12 major chords using the circle of fifths on the outro of “15 Minutes” You should definitely check it out

  • @cakemartyr5794
    @cakemartyr5794 2 роки тому +3

    That's really well explained. Thank you. You have got me thinking on how to work a cut down circle into a composition.

  • @werllo
    @werllo Рік тому +1

    This is completely mind blowing stuff.. I'm not the type to comment usually but man, this whole channel just amazes me over and over again.

  • @deanmayberry9713
    @deanmayberry9713 Рік тому

    Perfectly explained. Thank you! I was struggling to get the concept for the longest time, but you simplified it for anyone.

  • @Paul71H
    @Paul71H 2 роки тому +7

    The song "Awaken" by Yes, from the album "Going for the One," is a song that uses a progression that goes through the entire circle of fifths. (And it's a wonderful, magical, mystical song.)

    • @MuzixMaker
      @MuzixMaker 2 роки тому +2

      Widely thought of as their masterpiece.

    • @Paul71H
      @Paul71H 2 роки тому

      @@MuzixMaker Indeed, along with Close to the Edge. Have you seen the version of Awaken performed by Jon Anderson with an Icelandic band called Todmobile? If not, look it up on UA-cam; you won't regret it!

    • @robwilco9204
      @robwilco9204 Рік тому +1

      “I came here to say this, but knew in my heart it already been said.” 🙏🏻

    • @christiandubeau20
      @christiandubeau20 Рік тому +1

      And that album DID reach number "One" on the charts!

  • @johnwhite2630
    @johnwhite2630 2 роки тому +3

    This is maybe the best circle-of-fifths video I’ve seen. It’s practical and embedded in good musical examples. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a clear explanation of how the built-in satisfaction of CoF chord changes supports a melody. And I know I’ve never seen a demonstration of why you have to break of out of the circle at some point. Brilliant.

  • @jocelynalonso5239
    @jocelynalonso5239 Рік тому +2

    Thank you so much for this video! It was so fascinating seeing the circle of fifths used in real time. This video has helped me so much with touching base and understanding an introduction to music theory.

  • @wildfeather
    @wildfeather Рік тому +1

    Your presentation of this concept is absolutely masterful. It is the gift professors at major universities wish they had, and very few possess. Bravo.

  • @matthewmcnaughton7540
    @matthewmcnaughton7540 2 роки тому +25

    I would love to see you make a collaboration with Charles Cornell. You both have given me hundreds of hours of fascinating music theory content and you explain them so clearly. Maybe you can do an analysis of Hans Zimmer's movie scores.

    • @DavidBennettPiano
      @DavidBennettPiano  2 роки тому +18

      I’d love to collab with Charles. He and I have chatted before on Zoom and he’s a lovely man!

    • @richarddoan9172
      @richarddoan9172 2 роки тому

      They have very different styles. That could just turn out weird.

    • @DaveTaste
      @DaveTaste 2 роки тому

      He passed away in 2017. I'd say he was the best vocalist in rock. Freddie Mercury was good too and Robert Plant was similar in tone and range.

  • @samcoleman605
    @samcoleman605 2 роки тому +59

    The transition part of A Day in The Life vamps around the circle of 5ths twice from C all the way to E.

  • @michal1991994
    @michal1991994 Рік тому +1

    I was trying to learn what the circle is about in the past but this video made it much more clearer. Big thanks my friend!

  • @agerven
    @agerven Рік тому +2

    Very fine vid, you're a great tutor! i never actively made use of the circle of fifths, but i'm sure to give it more attention now.
    What i found striking in your piece going full circle, is that after the 4th chord i got some sense of searching, and after the 8th chord i was certain something should come to break this circle. See how influenced one is by all classical hits (i.e. the songs you mentioned in the intro) from the radio (yeah, being from the pre-tv age).

  • @caitlynshevchenko300
    @caitlynshevchenko300 2 роки тому +8

    Love this video, super insightful! If anyone’s really interested in this stuff like I am, you should check out a Circle of Fifths with the relative minors. The progression he showed about 5:30ish is a little different than the real progression. (For example: It should actually start at the top of the circle, since Am has no sharps or flats). Anyways love the video this is so cool!

  • @paimannamazi1128
    @paimannamazi1128 Рік тому +4

    thanks to my father,I took guitar lessons when I was 14 back in the early 70s. I took lessons for about 6 months until the circle of 5ths came up from my musical teacher in the back of a guitar shop. I stopped because I could not comprehend the circle of fifths. even till today, I've seen countless videos on UA-cam trying to explain it. but I must say this, this is the only video out of all of them that has made any sense to me. thank you very much

  • @beegeewhy
    @beegeewhy Рік тому +2

    I’ve been playing guitar for 55 years and I just now get it. Somehow this got through. Thanks very much for this.

  • @geraldfer
    @geraldfer Рік тому

    This is so refreshing. I was just looking around for some inspiration to get back on my piano...and here you are... thank you for each word and satisfying note and cords you showed us and played today... thank you

  • @skeletonmodel
    @skeletonmodel 2 роки тому +3

    Such a great video. Well made and very well explained. Thanks for taking this effort

  • @jyotektosgaimur
    @jyotektosgaimur 2 роки тому +8

    The globalist by muse has a very nice chord progression similar to this:
    A/C#, Dm, G, C, F, Bb, E/G#, Am, G/B, C
    Also, a lot of muse songs do this too, but varied like Unintended, Unnatural Selection and Soaked.

  • @musachi5999
    @musachi5999 2 роки тому +1

    And yet again you've instantly improved my music theory understanding tremendously. Thanks.

  • @davecase8746
    @davecase8746 2 роки тому

    Wow. Just wow, and thank you...as an adult learner, (55-YOUNG!), lol, I have been laboriously slogging and drilling myself--maintaining playfulness, (for what am I doing if not having fun?), this video was like an illumination of things I am just beginning to grasp. Thank you, thank you, thank you...I don't kniow how many hours you have saved me...let me "play" with my newfound insights and see what happens...HUGS!

  • @Craigevansagain
    @Craigevansagain Рік тому +15

    Mike Oldfield's epic Incantations album was built around the circle of Fifths. He also used the circle on the tracks Guilty, First Excursion and the start of Punkadiddle. Tubular Bells Side 2 might also be partially partially built on the circle.

  • @Zaitor
    @Zaitor 2 роки тому +15

    This is used also in one of the openings ("Melissa") from the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime :D
    I always thought of it as the "Handel's Passacaglia chord progression"

  • @lostee2001
    @lostee2001 Рік тому

    This is the single greatest video I have ever seen in UA-cam history! Thank you so much!!

  • @TippitoWOW
    @TippitoWOW Рік тому

    I was missing this class for almost 15 years. God bless you mate and thank you so much !!

  • @Noone-of-your-Business
    @Noone-of-your-Business Рік тому +3

    Thank you for finally explaining what this contraption is all about. I learnt the circle of 5ths in my instrumental lessons 40 years ago, but I didn't know what the hell to _do_ with it. The same with triplets. I never learnt to _apply_ any theory I memorized. Maybe that's going to change. Plenty of songs are waiting to be written.

  • @Mo-MuttMusic
    @Mo-MuttMusic 2 роки тому +6

    Thanks for sharing. I had heard of the Circle of Fifths, but I don't think I had heard someone explain it until now. Easy to understand. Great examples, too. I hope to utilize it at least in some composing exercises to see what happens. Shawn R., Mo-Mutt Music/Sacred & Secular

  • @itsdavidpogromsky
    @itsdavidpogromsky 2 роки тому

    going fully in 5ths just makes the progression feel eternal. Never understood properly this concept until now. Amazing explanation. Subbed!

  • @rabmacleod6331
    @rabmacleod6331 6 місяців тому

    It's probably my 5th time watching this video. I get more out of it every time. You teach wonderfully and so clearly.
    I subscribed a few years ago and I look forward to your releases.

  • @leanandmeanproductions687
    @leanandmeanproductions687 2 роки тому +3

    I have a great example of a total circle of fifths progression! Mike Oldfield (of Tubular Bells fame) uses it for a beautiful 2-minute section of his symphonic-rock work "Incantations" from 1978, beginning around 19 minutes in. I transcribed a lot of this piece in the 1980s in order to broaden my musical horizons from my classical-piano background.

  • @jehmarxx
    @jehmarxx 2 роки тому +8

    When I made a piece that used God chords, I remembered that I used the Circle of Fifths and tracked chords that are as far away from each other as possible to make some epic transitions. It's a really useful tool. I am mystified why some people still don't know how to apply the Circle of Fifths.

  • @marcelobruno4084
    @marcelobruno4084 Рік тому

    Buenísimo! David, sos de lo mejor que puede hallarse en UA-cam, en relación con los conceptos de la música. Gracias!

  • @allentaylor3325
    @allentaylor3325 9 місяців тому

    I never understood this concept until you laid it out perfectly. Learning theory by example is such an effective method. Thank you for your brilliant videos mate.

  • @NickyWaters
    @NickyWaters 2 роки тому +5

    This is my new favourite chord progression !

  • @brettanderson2881
    @brettanderson2881 2 роки тому +5

    Good discussion of the circle of fifths. Thank you for commenting about the anti clockwise circle of fourths. This is more common, and is more useful in playing guitar chords.

  • @damianwebzyx6613
    @damianwebzyx6613 Рік тому +2

    I’m amazed how sweet your playing about the full circle of fifth’s was … very well done 👍

  • @josephsmyth3298
    @josephsmyth3298 Рік тому

    Honestly, I have watched a number of your videos back to back. Why have I go to 41 years old with no one explaining things about the music I loved and was playing in a way that I could understand. Your videos have unlocked a lot that seemed like it was coded. Legendary stuff