A Cool Way to Memorize the Circle of Fifths

The reason why it is so important to learn the Circle of Fifths are because it will help you to identify key signatures for Major and minor keys, find related keys, understand the difference between relative and parallel keys and remember the order of sharps and flats in key signatures.

Key Signatures for Flats and Sharps

To remember the total of Flats in a key signature in order, memorize the following : BEAD -GCF. Remember all the sharps in order in a key signature by using a funny saying: FCGDAEB:  Finally-Cats-Give-Dogs-Awful-Energy-Bites.

 Major & Minor Scales for Flats

Remember the Major scales in order for flats' key signature by creating a mnemonic for F-Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Cb: Frank-Buys-Eggs-At-Dog's-Grocery-Club.  Note: You may not be able to see C♭ major on the "Circle of Fifths. C♭ Major has seven flats in its key signature.

Now lets remember the minor scales for the flats: d-g-c-f-b♭-e♭-a♭: dog's-grocery-club-fills-basket-eggs-again
Note: A♭ minor may not be on the "Circle of Fifths.


Major and Minor Scales for Sharps


Remember Major scales for sharps' key signature by creating a mnemonic for G-D-A-E-B-F#-C#: Go-Down-At-Elmo's-Bank-For-Christmas.  Note: You may not be able to see C-sharp (C#) major on the "Circle of Fifths. C-sharp Major scale has seven sharps in its key signature.


Now lets remember the minor scales for the sharps: e-b-f#-c#-g#-d#-a#: elmo's-bank-for-christmas-gives-doll-angels

Note: A# minor may not be on the "Circle of Fifths. A# minor has seven sharps in its key signature.


Now try to remember the scales for the flats and the sharps in Major and Minor.

 

Pic by  Catherine Schmidt-Jones