Circle of Fifths for Guitar (Interactive)
Quick answer
Tap a key to see its 7 chords, key signature, relative minor and the easiest capo position. Neighbouring keys share chords: in G, the main chords are G, C and D, plus Em, Am and Bm.
The circle of fifths puts the 12 keys in order, each a fifth above the last. For guitar it answers practical questions: which chords belong together, what key a song is in, and which capo position makes it easy. Tap any key to see its chords.
Interactive circle of fifths
How to use it on guitar
- Neighbours go together. A key's chords are the key itself plus the keys either side, and their relative minors. In G: G, C, D (major) and Em, Am, Bm (minor).
- Find the key of a song: list its chords and find the spot on the circle where they cluster. The chord finder helps with unfamiliar chords.
- On the fretboard: a fifth up is the same fret on the next higher string, two frets higher (C on the 5th string fret 3 to G on the 4th string fret 5). Going counter-clockwise (fourths) is simply the same fret on the next higher string.
- Hard key? Keys with many flats (Bb, Eb, Ab) are awkward in open position. Put a capo on and play G, C or D shapes: use the capo transposer.
Make theory click on the guitar
Guitar Tricks' theory lessons connect keys and chords to the fretboard.
Try Guitar Tricks free for 14 days ↗Circle of fifths table
| Major key | Relative minor | Sharps / flats |
|---|---|---|
| C | Am | 0 |
| G | Em | 1# |
| D | Bm | 2# |
| A | F#m | 3# |
| E | C#m | 4# |
| B | G#m | 5# |
| F# | D#m | 6# |
| Db | Bbm | 5b |
| Ab | Fm | 4b |
| Eb | Cm | 3b |
| Bb | Gm | 2b |
| F | Dm | 1b |
FAQ
What is the circle of fifths used for on guitar?
Seeing which chords belong in a key, finding the key of a song, building progressions, and choosing a capo position.
What are the chords in the key of G?
G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em and F#dim. The main three are G, C and D.
How do you find a fifth on the fretboard?
From any note, go to the next higher string and two frets up (on the 6th to 4th strings; add one more fret when crossing from G to B string).
What is a relative minor?
The minor key that shares the same notes as a major key, such as Am for C. It sits inside the major key on the circle.
Which keys are easiest on guitar?
C, G, D, A and E, because their chords use open strings. Use a capo for the others.
Sources checked
- Wikipedia: Circle of fifths (checked Oct 23, 2026): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circle_of_fifths
- musictheory.net: key signatures (checked Oct 23, 2026): www.musictheory.net/lessons/24
FretCompare explains standard technique and setup practice in its own words. Specs are starting points; adjust to feel.
How this page was made
Built by Andrew. Chords and spellings are computed from the major scale; no product testing claims. How we rate.