I'm German and have watched billions of videos about the circle of fifths in german(by the way in Germany we call it "Quintenzirkel"). And I never really understood him. And then you come in another language and suddenly everything makes sense! I'm really happy right now and will probably be busy with sisters and cousins in the near future 😃! Many many heartfelt thanks. And many kind regards from Germany!❤❤❤
This is always the case with Will. And indeed, in Germany we have a lot of strange words for musical things. And we have this thing with B (German) = Bb (everywhere else) and H (German) = B (everywhere else)
@@DanglyLinghamThen, i fear…you may never grasp it! Kidding! I think the best way to learn it is to watch this again but play/practice as Will goes through the different aspects. It will click eventually…good luck!
In my opnion, actually showing how to use the circle of fifths rather than blandly explaining the relations between the notes is what makes this video stand out from the rest, very good job!
Hi Will, What you call Power Notes is also known as the Major Pentatonic Scale. The 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6th notes of any Major scale, makes the Major Pentatonic. The 1, b3, 4, 5, & b7 makes the Minor Pentatonic Scale. Add in the b5 to the Minor Pentatonic Scale above and you have your standard Blues Scale. Try counting that out on all of the White keys and you'll have 3 new sacles to work from. If you know some scales, the formula can be applied to them as well. Guitarists are very well known for using Minor Pentatonic Scales, as they can be used over Major & Minor Chord progressions. Hope that helps a bit and gets some ideas flowing for those who are not Theory heads...LOL... Thx ElectricEddie
@@KingRyGuy21 A flat means to drop a note by a half-step or a half-semitone which is the same (It's like Potatoe / Pototoe) it means the same, it's just another name for the same thing, it's from different parts of the world. Ex. C Maj Scale - C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C If you apply the Formula 1, b3, 4, 5, & b7 to the "C" Major Scale You get the C minor Pentatonic Scale (Penta means 5 notes only) C Minor Pentatonic = C, Eb, F, G, Bb, C * If you add the (b5) note to the same scale you get the Blues Scale. Blues Scales Formula = 1, b3, 4, (b5), 5, & b7, 1 = C, Eb, F, (Gb), G, Bb, C If you take the C Major Scale = C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C and apply this Formula 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6b, & b7, 1 you get the C Minor Scale. C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C (aka. C Minor Aeolian or Natural Minor Scale.) Again (It's like Potatoe / Pototoe) *** Side Note: A little Trick. The C Minor is the Relative Minor of the E(b) Flat Major. If you know the E(b) Flat Major Scale and start to play it from the "C" Note to the next "C" Note = Then you just played the C Minor Scale (aka. C Minor Aeolian or Natural Minor Scale.) This works for all Major to Minor Scales. If you know the Major Scales then technically you know the Relative Minor Scales as well. There are many Formulas. They all work to give you different Scales ( Pentatonic, Major, Minor, Blues, etc.). *** Memorize the Formulas.*** *** There are also many formulas to get different Chords. Ex. 1st, 3rd, and 5th note of any Major Scale, gives you the Major Chord with the same name from the Scale it was taken from. Ex. C Maj Scale - C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C - 1st, 3rd, 5th note gives you (C, E, G) Played together gives you the C Major Chord. Ex. C Maj Scale - C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C - 1st, b3rd, 5th note gives you (C, Eb, G) Played together gives you the C Minor Chord. Memorize the Formulas to apply to any Scale for different results ( different Scales & different Chords) There are many Formulas for both the Scales & Chords. Learning them all will give you a Great knowledge of theory knowing which scales to play with which Chords. Also What Chords go together to make nice Chord Progressions. Chord Progressions are the basis to any Verse & Chorus making them into Songs. Good Luck ElectricEddie
This may have been the very best explanation of the structure and use of the circle of fifths I've ever seen. Most videos simply describe how the circle is organized, but do not explain the actual value or use of the circle. The very best teachers not only tell you the "what", but also tell you the "why". Well done, Will!
I've seen a few videos explaining the Circle of Fifths. The way you explain it is actually pretty easy to understand. I knew how many flats or sharps a scale has; I just didn't know how to make those progressions on a piano. Thanks to you, I understand now. Thanks, Will, again for a great video.
Been trying to understand this for years, even got classes for this at audio school. After 5 years of this bs I feel scammed. This guys solved one of my life frustrations in 11mins. Amazing teacher! Subscribed!!
Quite how one can watch so many videos on this subject and still not quite grasp it…and then you do one and all falls into place…nice. Great content and somehow you’ve managed to achieve what countless others have not. Cheers!
Yup… this is hands down the PERFECT explanation vid for the Circle of Fifths! It’s amazing to me how many other channels have tried to explain it and always seem to get it wrong along the way… this is perfectly done 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
This really is a great explanation! It makes a whole lot more sense than any of the other tutorials did, that I have seen on this subject. Thanks, Will.
omg, I never understood what people meant because they never described it in a clear and easy way, English is not my first language so when people said "in relative to" etc I had no idea what they were on about but now I completely understand because you had a clear visual element and explanation for it. Thank you!
EDM TIPS once again with another amazingly helpful video. I've learnt so much from this channel over this last year I've been (trying to) make music. I don't necessarily make EDM, I make all sorts of genres but the tips I get from here have taught me so much. Thank you.
Sometimes a video comes along that immediately lifts you to a new level of understanding rather spending ages trying to decipher it alone. Thank you. The next part of my music journey begins.
wowww, tremendous contribution, this is taking the big step through something that is always complicated to understand, you have made it easy and brief, thank you very much friend
It might be better thought of as a circle of fourths. Here’s why: all root note resolution is strongest when it moves a perfect fourth. C>F. F>Bb. D>G. Eb>Ab. In classical terms, this is a five > one, the cadence you hear at the end of so many of the classic symphonies and concertos. In jazz harmony, if you’re not doing tritone subs and whatnot, the iii>vi>ii>V7>I maj7 has this root motion! In the key of C, that is e-7 > a-7 > d-7 > G7 > Cmaj7. See it? It’s not really a circle of fifths per se. The moment I started to see it as moving in fourths is the moment I grasped the essence of western harmony.
If you don't stop with the 3-note chord, you can build your major/minor 7th chord 4-note chord out of this as well by adding one more note. It is always major-minor-major-minor for a major 7th chord or minor-major-minor-major for minor 7th chord. So for C Major: C-e-G-b or for A Minor: a-C-e-G.
This has to be the greatest circle of fifths video I’ve ever seen! Recently on my way back from nyc I encountered to college girls whom are majoring in music, I wish I had given this video at that time!❤
OMG! This is the video I’ve been looking for!!!!! I’m no musician and I consider myself tone deaf (not literally of course). I’m an indie game developer, trying to level up my games (as well as my brand I could say) so I need to start writing music for my own games, but it’s so difficult to get started. I’m not trying to make a musical masterpiece, I just want to write music that sounds good enough, that being said I don’t really plan on spending the next 2-3 years mastering music theory so I was looking for these rules to write some music (as I’m already writing code, art and doing design). Of course I still need a lot more to actually write some music, but this is the start I’ve been looking for
I've noticed a discrepency in the way 'Notes' are counted, like when you chose 'Four' notes 'Clockwise' from the Tonic of the scale. You counted from the first note, clockwise from the Tonic. When working out 'Diatonic Chords' for a particular 'Key", you count out in "Thirds" or 3's, from the first note of the chord. The first note is simply the particular note in the 'Key" of the 'Scale' you are working in. So the first note is 'One' and you count three beginning on your first note, and repeat. I'm new to all of this and I find 'The Circle of Fifths' an incredible tool to be used in song writing. However i find the counting thing confusing.
I love you. I've seen many videos on the circle of 5ths, but after your video, something clicked and now I get it, I actually understand this and it's soooooo exciting!!! Thank you!!!
this is such a blessing of a video...Thank you for this! I've been self-studying music and piano to help with my self-esteem...I wrote down notes for the past hour, and I feel like I really learned and understood the most from your vid.❤
I came here today in search of a reference video for my students of how the circle of fifths works, and how to use it effectively. This video explains that quite well, and makes it easy to understand. However, on behalf of learning by ear which is just as important, unless something is off with my speakers at home, the C major chord sounds like C# on my end, along with the rest sounding a half step higher as well. Made me question my guitar tuning way too many times, but two different tuners have reassured me. And at the time stamp of 4:44, there's the follow up example of how to find the notes that make up major and minor chords. It threw me for a curve on the E flat minor chord diagram, as it shows a connection from e flat, to F#, to b flat, which are in different key signatures. But only because the enharmonic equivalent of G flat is missing from that diagram in comparison to the one on the left that shows F#/G flat. I know there are many on here that are finding a starting point. I only post this to provide clarity where there may have been any confusion. Otherwise, great stuff. Thank you for the video
Finally a thorough and easy to follow explanation of how to work the magic circle! Wish I could have joined your program for the new year but until that can happen, your videos keep making a real difference 😊
Thank you for making this super digestible! I've watched so many of these circle of fifths youtube videos... this is the best one. If you could make a more advanced one with 7th and other chord progressions.. I would be in heaven. Thanks again man!
Wow watched several hundred music tutorial videos, then I come across this video A revelation. Grateful for the useful explanation of the practical use of the diagram. Thanks for sharing.
I have watched a lot of vids explaining what the circle of fifth is, but you are the first one actually showing what to do with it and how to use it for composition. Thank you so much for that! (And Iam from germany too :D)
@@EDMTipsOne additional question: I expect the rules of using the five notes explained in chapter "writing a melody" can be also applied when writing a Bassline fitting to an already existing chord progression?
2:09 This also explains why most songs written on piano (/ organ / keyboard / etc) are not in C#, F# or B. Having said this, on a guitar you can tune it in C# - et voila And in the DAW you can drag all notes in C up a semitone - et voila But tradionally it's the most simple to stay in C, / Am, G, / Em, F / Dm, D / Bm and A# / Gm.
It’s true, been labouring with this for a few weeks now full focus but had to convert it into my own exercise form. It took a lot out of me mentally at times because it’s like my ear and mind were merging as I persevered. At first didn’t focus on 5th steps just used piano keyboard and forced myself to pick out the 12 keys. Got familiar with each key but it all opened up when they became familiar. 5th steps are easy and turns out the 1st becomes the 4th of the next key. It’s all related. Hearing it becomes second nature.
Very good explanation. I knew about relative minors, but using circles of fifths for figuring out chord progressions and melodies is awesome. Will def be referring back to this video
Holy shit, man. I started watching this video thinking "This guy and goddamn accent are gonna be another dead end for me in trying to figure this shit out." At the end of the video, I'm already jamming out and making my own tunes, giggling like a school girl because I just can't believe that it finally clicked. I'm subscribed and binge watching everything you've made because you're the first person to finally make music theory make sense for me. Give this hero your time and you will understand everything you've been dying to understand. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
It’s refreshing to see a non classical person explain music in simple terms and how they make music with that. Granted this is just the bare basic of how to use the circle of fifths there’s a lot more to explore within the circle like modulations and parallel keys and borrowed chords and stuff but EDM is usually not complex enough for that to even matter.
You got my subscription. That was an absolutely perfect, easy explanation of the circle. Holy crap, I have been flustered by this for so long. I always knew I was right there, but dog gone it, there was something missing. Well, DANG! You brought out all the points I was unclear of. Thanks so much for that. Really…WELL DONE. Regards.
The "duh" logic of the third in the circle of fifths never occurred to me. Thank you for the matter-of-fact brilliance of your presentation. I learned something new!
We studied minor scales as harmonic and melodic. So their chords were a bit different. I mean not the 3rd, but the 6,7 notes and sometimes the 5th. And the scales arrangements were easy, the one side with sharps and the other side with flats. But this colour wheel / sundial ( lol) is a better pictorial for the brain. Thank you !!
There's so many videos about the circle of fifths with tons of views, but this is the only one that made understand why it's so useful!, you have new subscriber!
Super helpful, I finally understood after watching 10s of videos. I wish you had touched on playing minor key chord progressions though I assume it has the same rules as the major key chord progressions.. so glad I found your channel!
@@EDMTips actually I'm an upcoming music producer and I'm now creating melodies because of your videos and I'm gonna tag you with the first one I post as a thank you ❤️
Man.I thought I had it figured out, learned something new today. Thanks a lot, you videos really have been inspiring the last couple of days since I found you! You are awesome!
Very good explanation ! PS. Please add the part about using the Circle to create melodies using the "power notes" into the Radio Ready Program Music Theory For EDM Producers course, because that part is very valuable, but it's not in the course yet. Cheers
This is the first time, after watching a lot about the cirkel of fifths that i completely get it now ! It makes sense ! Thank you very much for this. I Saved and downloaded your video, never wanna lose it 😂😂😊
I started off music by memorizing scales, chords, and key changes. No wonder the circle was always confusing. Thats a lot to digest but handy to use as a tool.
I can’t wait to dive into the piano. I taught myself at 13 but haven’t picked it up since. As an astrologer, I have skills that will easily interpret into piano playing.
Could be a second part to explain the ommited 7th notes that are half step below the outside notes. The circle is good for parallel keys and modes too!
@EDMTips Amazing video and really helps to understand circle of fifths!! All the comments are a testimony for that. I have one question though, How we have the 5 notes in Major chords to use for melody, what would those be for Minor chords?
I'm German and have watched billions of videos about the circle of fifths in german(by the way in Germany we call it "Quintenzirkel"). And I never really understood him. And then you come in another language and suddenly everything makes sense! I'm really happy right now and will probably be busy with sisters and cousins in the near future 😃! Many many heartfelt thanks. And many kind regards from Germany!❤❤❤
Same for me though not in German. 🎉
This is always the case with Will. And indeed, in Germany we have a lot of strange words for musical things. And we have this thing with B (German) = Bb (everywhere else) and H (German) = B (everywhere else)
I am english speaking and this made it more confusing for me. lol
@@DanglyLinghamThen, i fear…you may never grasp it!
Kidding! I think the best way to learn it is to watch this again but play/practice as Will goes through the different aspects.
It will click eventually…good luck!
Love to read such comments! Thank you so much! 🙏 And I am very happy my video helped you to understand it! :)
In my opnion, actually showing how to use the circle of fifths rather than blandly explaining the relations between the notes is what makes this video stand out from the rest, very good job!
Thank you so much, I am stoked you found it helpful 🙌🏻
The title couldn't be more precise. This has literally unlocked music for me
Haha love to hear that man! Thank you for dropping a comment!
Frfr. This vid made constructing from the circle of fifths very plain
Hi Will, What you call Power Notes is also known as the Major Pentatonic Scale.
The 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6th notes of any Major scale, makes the Major Pentatonic.
The 1, b3, 4, 5, & b7 makes the Minor Pentatonic Scale.
Add in the b5 to the Minor Pentatonic Scale above and you have your standard Blues Scale.
Try counting that out on all of the White keys and you'll have 3 new sacles to work from. If you know some scales, the formula can be applied to them as well.
Guitarists are very well known for using Minor Pentatonic Scales, as they can be used over Major & Minor Chord progressions.
Hope that helps a bit and gets some ideas flowing for those who are not Theory heads...LOL...
Thx ElectricEddie
Nice was looking for this comment explaining the power notes. Thanks!
After the major pentatonic scale you mentioned 1, b3…what is the b here? Flat, diminished? Sorry, trying to learn and feel lost
I think it's flat @@KingRyGuy21 . So flat 3rd note, so in Cmaj that would be D#/Eb(flat)
@@artificers-predecessor thank you
@@KingRyGuy21 A flat means to drop a note by a half-step or a half-semitone which is the same (It's like Potatoe / Pototoe) it means the same, it's just another name for the same thing, it's from different parts of the world.
Ex. C Maj Scale - C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C
If you apply the Formula 1, b3, 4, 5, & b7 to the "C" Major Scale You get the C minor Pentatonic Scale (Penta means 5 notes only) C Minor Pentatonic = C, Eb, F, G, Bb, C
* If you add the (b5) note to the same scale you get the Blues Scale.
Blues Scales Formula = 1, b3, 4, (b5), 5, & b7, 1 = C, Eb, F, (Gb), G, Bb, C
If you take the C Major Scale = C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C and apply this Formula 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6b, & b7, 1 you get the C Minor Scale. C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C (aka. C Minor Aeolian or Natural Minor Scale.) Again (It's like Potatoe / Pototoe)
*** Side Note: A little Trick. The C Minor is the Relative Minor of the E(b) Flat Major. If you know the E(b) Flat Major Scale and start to play it from the "C" Note to the next "C" Note = Then you just played the C Minor Scale (aka. C Minor Aeolian or Natural Minor Scale.) This works for all Major to Minor Scales. If you know the Major Scales then technically you know the Relative Minor Scales as well.
There are many Formulas. They all work to give you different Scales ( Pentatonic, Major, Minor, Blues, etc.).
*** Memorize the Formulas.***
*** There are also many formulas to get different Chords.
Ex. 1st, 3rd, and 5th note of any Major Scale, gives you the Major Chord with the same name from the Scale it was taken from.
Ex. C Maj Scale - C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C - 1st, 3rd, 5th note gives you (C, E, G) Played together gives you the C Major Chord.
Ex. C Maj Scale - C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C - 1st, b3rd, 5th note gives you (C, Eb, G) Played together gives you the C Minor Chord.
Memorize the Formulas to apply to any Scale for different results ( different Scales & different Chords)
There are many Formulas for both the Scales & Chords. Learning them all will give you a Great knowledge of theory knowing which scales to play with which Chords. Also What Chords go together to make nice Chord Progressions. Chord Progressions are the basis to any Verse & Chorus making them into Songs.
Good Luck
ElectricEddie
The circle of fifths has always been a bit of an enigma to me, but this is the best explanation I have seen to date. Thanks, Will!
Congrats. You're the first one to explain this so that I can understand it. Thank you very much.
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching and for the kind words of support 🙂
This may have been the very best explanation of the structure and use of the circle of fifths I've ever seen. Most videos simply describe how the circle is organized, but do not explain the actual value or use of the circle. The very best teachers not only tell you the "what", but also tell you the "why". Well done, Will!
Thank you so much, I really appreciate the kind words of support and I am really glad you found this helpful!
After 20 years of working with music, this is the best easiest way to understand I feel I have encountered. Thank you!!
Love to hear feedback like yours! Thank you so much for the support and you are very welcome!
I've seen a few videos explaining the Circle of Fifths. The way you explain it is actually pretty easy to understand. I knew how many flats or sharps a scale has; I just didn't know how to make those progressions on a piano. Thanks to you, I understand now. Thanks, Will, again for a great video.
Excellent! I’m glad it helped, and you’re welcome :)
Been trying to understand this for years, even got classes for this at audio school. After 5 years of this bs I feel scammed. This guys solved one of my life frustrations in 11mins. Amazing teacher! Subscribed!!
Well, looks like I've done my job then! 😉 Thanks for subscribing and I hope you continue to enjoy the content! 🙌🏻
Best explanation for writing with the Circle of Fifths that I have ever seen. Thank you for this!!
You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching and for the kind words of support 🙂
Quite how one can watch so many videos on this subject and still not quite grasp it…and then you do one and all falls into place…nice.
Great content and somehow you’ve managed to achieve what countless others have not.
Cheers!
Very much appreciate to hear that! 🙏
Yup… this is hands down the PERFECT explanation vid for the Circle of Fifths! It’s amazing to me how many other channels have tried to explain it and always seem to get it wrong along the way… this is perfectly done 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
This really is a great explanation!
It makes a whole lot more sense than any of the other tutorials did, that I have seen on this subject.
Thanks, Will.
Díky!
Bruuu finally I understood it. You always explain things so easy its a bless! Thanks!
Very happy to hear man! My pleasure!
I came here to learn how to change keys in a song. I got what I needed. Thanks Will!
Love to hear that! 🙏 Appreciate your support!
i love painting as much as making beats! you just gave me an awesome painting idea acrylic, circle of fifths abstract! thanks bro
Haha yeah give this a try! Rock on, man!
I always had to write it down, but no one told me about this! Thank you!
Great explanation!! Best i have ever seen 🎉
Thank you so much for the support!🙏
omg, I never understood what people meant because they never described it in a clear and easy way, English is not my first language so when people said "in relative to" etc I had no idea what they were on about but now I completely understand because you had a clear visual element and explanation for it.
Thank you!
This is excellent, please do more music theory videos in 2024🙏🏻💯
Never heard an explanation of this concept more simple and precise in my life. Thanks for the great content.
Ah, thank you so much, I really appreciate the kind words of support!
Thank you for this, I don’t really feel like I know any music theory but I do think I’m getting much closer here. Stay blessed
Fantastic!! New to music production and just printed this out from your website so I can have it on my wall.
Amazing man!🙌🙌 Happy to hear! The Circle of Fifths is truly helpful!
Absolutely love this. Thank you for finally making this make sense to me.
You're welcome! 🙂
EDM TIPS once again with another amazingly helpful video. I've learnt so much from this channel over this last year I've been (trying to) make music. I don't necessarily make EDM, I make all sorts of genres but the tips I get from here have taught me so much.
Thank you.
First time I’m digging how to use the circle of fifths. Thank you Sir. Glad I clicked! ❤
You’re very welcome!
By far one of the best circle of fifths explanations. It now seems really useful. Thank you.
Sometimes a video comes along that immediately lifts you to a new level of understanding rather spending ages trying to decipher it alone. Thank you. The next part of my music journey begins.
You’re welcome :)
What a great job explaining how you make the notes and seeing the red circles around the notes as you played them further enforced the learning. Nice.
So happy to hear you found the video useful! Thank you for your support!
Thank you very much for this video. You really made me understand the circle of 5ths
My pleasure man! Thank you for the comment!🙏
Best explanation of the Circle of 5ths ever. Thanks. This really helps.
Circle of fifths is a gift that keeps on giving. Thanks for the explanation.
100%! It is so useful! My pleasure!
This is a great explanation Will, and the examples help a lot. Thanks!
Happy to hear man! Glad I could help!
wowww, tremendous contribution, this is taking the big step through something that is always complicated to understand, you have made it easy and brief, thank you very much friend
You are very welcome indeed!
It might be better thought of as a circle of fourths. Here’s why: all root note resolution is strongest when it moves a perfect fourth. C>F. F>Bb. D>G. Eb>Ab. In classical terms, this is a five > one, the cadence you hear at the end of so many of the classic symphonies and concertos. In jazz harmony, if you’re not doing tritone subs and whatnot, the iii>vi>ii>V7>I maj7 has this root motion! In the key of C, that is e-7 > a-7 > d-7 > G7 > Cmaj7. See it? It’s not really a circle of fifths per se. The moment I started to see it as moving in fourths is the moment I grasped the essence of western harmony.
10 minutes. Easily explained. Simplicity. Awesome. Thanks a lot for this!
NOW it all makes sense!! Clearest and easiest explanation of the Circle of 5ths that I've seen OR been taught! thank you SO much for this!!
You’re welcome!
If you don't stop with the 3-note chord, you can build your major/minor 7th chord 4-note chord out of this as well by adding one more note. It is always major-minor-major-minor for a major 7th chord or minor-major-minor-major for minor 7th chord. So for C Major: C-e-G-b or for A Minor: a-C-e-G.
This has to be the greatest circle of fifths video I’ve ever seen! Recently on my way back from nyc I encountered to college girls whom are majoring in music, I wish I had given this video at that time!❤
Thank you! Glad you found it useful! 😎
Good advice and is helping me improve on my music ideas. Thank you.
Great to hear!
OMG! This is the video I’ve been looking for!!!!!
I’m no musician and I consider myself tone deaf (not literally of course). I’m an indie game developer, trying to level up my games (as well as my brand I could say) so I need to start writing music for my own games, but it’s so difficult to get started. I’m not trying to make a musical masterpiece, I just want to write music that sounds good enough, that being said I don’t really plan on spending the next 2-3 years mastering music theory so I was looking for these rules to write some music (as I’m already writing code, art and doing design). Of course I still need a lot more to actually write some music, but this is the start I’ve been looking for
such a great and easy explanation! Thanks a lot!
This is the best description and application of the circle of 5ths I have seen on UA-cam. Well done.
This is the best explanation of this I’ve ever seen!
Appreciate it! 🙌🙏
I've noticed a discrepency in the way 'Notes' are counted, like when you chose 'Four' notes 'Clockwise' from the Tonic of the scale. You counted from the first note, clockwise from the Tonic. When working out 'Diatonic Chords' for a particular 'Key", you count out in "Thirds" or 3's, from the first note of the chord. The first note is simply the particular note in the 'Key" of the 'Scale' you are working in. So the first note is 'One' and you count three beginning on your first note, and repeat. I'm new to all of this and I find 'The Circle of Fifths' an incredible tool to be used in song writing. However i find the counting thing confusing.
Oh man, this video is insanely good, I have no words, thanks a lot for this amazing content, this helped me a bunch!! ❤❤🙏🙏
You're welcome ☺️ Glad it helped!
You explained these so awsome! ❤
Cheers, glad it helped!
Anything else in particular you’re struggling with and would like me to cover on the channel?
I love you. I've seen many videos on the circle of 5ths, but after your video, something clicked and now I get it, I actually understand this and it's soooooo exciting!!! Thank you!!!
That was the dopest way I’ve ever heard to explain TCOF. 🎉🎉🎉
Really glad you liked it so much! Anything else in particular you’re struggling with and would like me to cover on the channel?
this is such a blessing of a video...Thank you for this! I've been self-studying music and piano to help with my self-esteem...I wrote down notes for the past hour, and I feel like I really learned and understood the most from your vid.❤
You're so welcome! Glad it was helpful 🙂
Thank you very much for this breakdown. Concise and powerful.
You’re very welcome!
For someone who only plays by ear (feeming guilty to never tried learn notes and such) this is a remarkable start. Thanks you :)
I came here today in search of a reference video for my students of how the circle of fifths works, and how to use it effectively. This video explains that quite well, and makes it easy to understand. However, on behalf of learning by ear which is just as important, unless something is off with my speakers at home, the C major chord sounds like C# on my end, along with the rest sounding a half step higher as well. Made me question my guitar tuning way too many times, but two different tuners have reassured me. And at the time stamp of 4:44, there's the follow up example of how to find the notes that make up major and minor chords. It threw me for a curve on the E flat minor chord diagram, as it shows a connection from e flat, to F#, to b flat, which are in different key signatures. But only because the enharmonic equivalent of G flat is missing from that diagram in comparison to the one on the left that shows F#/G flat. I know there are many on here that are finding a starting point. I only post this to provide clarity where there may have been any confusion. Otherwise, great stuff. Thank you for the video
Possibly one of the most useful and interesting videos I’ve seen in a long time!
Love to hear that! Thank you so much!
Wow that is a great video. I understand so much more, Thank you
You're welcome, glad you found it helpful!
Finally a thorough and easy to follow explanation of how to work the magic circle! Wish I could have joined your program for the new year but until that can happen, your videos keep making a real difference 😊
The best explanation with practical uses for the circle of 5ths that I ever had .. thanks EDM tips
You're welcome! Glad you found it helpful :)
Anything else in particular you’re struggling with and would like me to cover on the channel?
Thank you for making this super digestible! I've watched so many of these circle of fifths youtube videos... this is the best one. If you could make a more advanced one with 7th and other chord progressions.. I would be in heaven. Thanks again man!
Wow watched several hundred music tutorial videos, then I come across this video A revelation. Grateful for the useful explanation of the practical use of the diagram. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome, Steve, glad it was helpful! 🙌🏻
Will, you legend! 🙏 This has finally unlocked more interesting chord progressions for me.
Stoked to hear that, Joey! Glad it was helpful! Anything else you're struggling with?
I have watched a lot of vids explaining what the circle of fifth is, but you are the first one actually showing what to do with it and how to use it for composition. Thank you so much for that! (And Iam from germany too :D)
You’re welcome!
@@EDMTipsOne additional question: I expect the rules of using the five notes explained in chapter "writing a melody" can be also applied when writing a Bassline fitting to an already existing chord progression?
Now i really understand the circle of 5ths. Great job, I have watched countless videos but never understood it uses until now
Nice one, I am glad I could help! 🙌🏻
this is one of the most useful music theory videos ive ever watched. really concise. i think i understand music theory now. this was really cool
2:09 This also explains why most songs written on piano (/ organ / keyboard / etc) are not in C#, F# or B.
Having said this, on a guitar you can tune it in C# - et voila
And in the DAW you can drag all notes in C up a semitone - et voila
But tradionally it's the most simple to stay in C, / Am, G, / Em, F / Dm, D / Bm and A# / Gm.
It’s true, been labouring with this for a few weeks now full focus but had to convert it into my own exercise form. It took a lot out of me mentally at times because it’s like my ear and mind were merging as I persevered. At first didn’t focus on 5th steps just used piano keyboard and forced myself to pick out the 12 keys. Got familiar with each key but it all opened up when they became familiar. 5th steps are easy and turns out the 1st becomes the 4th of the next key. It’s all related. Hearing it becomes second nature.
Very good explanation. I knew about relative minors, but using circles of fifths for figuring out chord progressions and melodies is awesome. Will def be referring back to this video
this is the best circle of fifths explanation I’ve seen, thank you
Holy shit, man. I started watching this video thinking "This guy and goddamn accent are gonna be another dead end for me in trying to figure this shit out."
At the end of the video, I'm already jamming out and making my own tunes, giggling like a school girl because I just can't believe that it finally clicked.
I'm subscribed and binge watching everything you've made because you're the first person to finally make music theory make sense for me.
Give this hero your time and you will understand everything you've been dying to understand.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
Well, looks like I've done my job then! 😉 Thanks for subscribing and I hope you continue to enjoy the content! 🙌🏻
It’s refreshing to see a non classical person explain music in simple terms and how they make music with that. Granted this is just the bare basic of how to use the circle of fifths there’s a lot more to explore within the circle like modulations and parallel keys and borrowed chords and stuff but EDM is usually not complex enough for that to even matter.
Cheers! I choose to take this as a compliment 🙂
Yes nice video, regarding EDM the complexity is in the production not the harmony
Cool, I dont understand everything but very helpfull
The most amazing tutorial I have ever come across ❤
Thank you very much! :)
You got my subscription. That was an absolutely perfect, easy explanation of the circle. Holy crap, I have been flustered by this for so long. I always knew I was right there, but dog gone it, there was something missing. Well, DANG! You brought out all the points I was unclear of. Thanks so much for that. Really…WELL DONE. Regards.
Well, looks like I've done my job then! 😉 Thanks for subscribing and I hope you continue to enjoy the content! 🙌🏻
THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN MISSING! This explains so much, I'm amazed you're providing such knowledge in such a digestible way for free. Thank you.
You're welcome, I am glad you found this helpful! Anything else in particular you’re struggling with and would like me to cover on the channel?
The "duh" logic of the third in the circle of fifths never occurred to me. Thank you for the matter-of-fact brilliance of your presentation. I learned something new!
We studied minor scales as harmonic and melodic. So their chords were a bit different. I mean not the 3rd, but the 6,7 notes and sometimes the 5th.
And the scales arrangements were easy, the one side with sharps and the other side with flats.
But this colour wheel / sundial ( lol) is a better pictorial for the brain. Thank you !!
You're welcome, glad it as helpful! 🙌🏻
There's so many videos about the circle of fifths with tons of views, but this is the only one that made understand why it's so useful!, you have new subscriber!
Awesome mate! Looks like I've done my job right then! haha Thanks for subscribing and I hope you continue to enjoy the content! 🙌🏻
Whoever invented this wheel is a genius. I live for infographics that condense intense amounts of info
Great outline. I learned a few new things from your video. Thanks😊😊
You're welcome, glad it was helpful! 🙌🏻
Best explanation I've seen. Thanks!
Thanks, and you’re welcome!
Best explanation i have ever seen ! Thanks
Super helpful, I finally understood after watching 10s of videos. I wish you had touched on playing minor key chord progressions though I assume it has the same rules as the major key chord progressions.. so glad I found your channel!
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it! :)
I never understood circle of fifth but it changed today. Thank you!
You are so welcome! Glad it's finally clear :)
Great Teacher! Thanks.
Good job maestro. Fun & easy to follow.
Cheers, Jobu, glad you enjoyed it! :)
Oh my word, this is what I have needed forever!!! I cannot thank you enough!!!
You’re very welcome!! Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Thank for sharing knowledge 🙏❤️❤️❤️
My pleasure!
Man that's amazing you're wonderful ❤
Thank you so much 😀
@@EDMTips actually I'm an upcoming music producer and I'm now creating melodies because of your videos and I'm gonna tag you with the first one I post as a thank you ❤️
Man.I thought I had it figured out, learned something new today. Thanks a lot, you videos really have been inspiring the last couple of days since I found you! You are awesome!
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching and for the kind words of support! 🙂
Very good explanation !
PS. Please add the part about using the Circle to create melodies using the "power notes" into the Radio Ready Program Music Theory For EDM Producers course, because that part is very valuable, but it's not in the course yet. Cheers
GREAT explanation!!
A brilliant comprehensive explanation. This is the first time I’ve fully understood. Thank you.
This is the first time, after watching a lot about the cirkel of fifths that i completely get it now ! It makes sense ! Thank you very much for this. I Saved and downloaded your video, never wanna lose it 😂😂😊
I started off music by memorizing scales, chords, and key changes. No wonder the circle was always confusing. Thats a lot to digest but handy to use as a tool.
100%! Hope this video helpful a bit to clear the confusion :)
Nice one as always, Will. Now, we need to clarify that a Dominant-7-chord is not diminished. But chords is a topic for a whole series of videos.
i think i found the best video on the internet, wow you are truly a hero
Thank you so much for the support and kind words!🙏🙏
I can’t wait to dive into the piano. I taught myself at 13 but haven’t picked it up since. As an astrologer, I have skills that will easily interpret into piano playing.
Could be a second part to explain the ommited 7th notes that are half step below the outside notes. The circle is good for parallel keys and modes too!
@EDMTips Amazing video and really helps to understand circle of fifths!! All the comments are a testimony for that.
I have one question though, How we have the 5 notes in Major chords to use for melody, what would those be for Minor chords?