Circle of fifths

Going clockwise, each key is a perfect 5th above the last and adds one sharp (or drops one flat). Neighbours share all but one note, which is why music so often moves between them.

How to read it

• The outer ring has the major keys, the inner ring their relative minors (same key signature, tonic a minor 3rd lower).
• The number under each key is its key signature. Sharps are added in the order F C G D A E B; flats in the reverse order, B E A D G C F.
• At the bottom, three keys have two names that sound the same (B / C♭, F♯ / G♭, C♯ / D♭). Use the one with fewer accidentals unless the music says otherwise.
• The keys on either side of a key are its IV (counter-clockwise) and V (clockwise) chords: in C that is F and G.