The circle of fifths is a diagram useful for calculating the altered pitches (those with sharps and flats) in major and minor scales. Each key in the circle is a fifth from the previous key. Neighboring keys are called “closely related keys” (e.g., A♭ major is closely related to both D♭ major and E♭ major).

Mnemonic:

  • Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
  • Fat Cat Goes Down Alley Eating Bread