Tonic Circle of fifths

The circle of fifths

Not a chart — an instrument. Tap any key to hear it. Each step clockwise adds one sharp; each step the other way adds a flat. The inner ring is each key’s relative minor.

Tip: move one step clockwise (e.g. C → G) and notice a single sharp appears. That one-sharp-at-a-time pattern is the whole point of the circle.
The seven chords of C major — tap to hear each
The two keys either side of your selection (its IV and V) and its relative minor are tinted — those are its closely related keys, differing by just one sharp or flat. Music modulates to neighbours like these most easily.
Build with these chords
Drop them into a timeline and hear them move.
Sandbox →
Modulate from C major to a close neighbour
Each neighbour shares all but one note. The pivot chord belongs to both keys — land on it, then a ii–V–I cadence settles you into the new key. Tap one to hear the move.
Secondary dominants — spotlight any chord with its own V7
A secondary dominant is the dominant 7th of a chord other than the tonic. Its root sits one step clockwise on the circle from its target — D7 (V7/V) points straight at G. Tap to hear it resolve.