Hey, James here!
Have you ever heard of the circle of fifths and the cycle of fourths? They're two music concepts that might seem confusing at first, but they're actually pretty similar and can be used interchangeably!
A couple of weeks back, we released a lesson called "One Killer Drill For Bass Players Of All Levels" which was an exercise based on a very well-known concept called the Circle of Fifths, that we often get a bunch of questions about. Students would often ask me, "James, you're talking about the circle of fifths, but why are you actually going up in fourths? Isn't this a cycle of fourths?"
Yes, in a manner of speaking, you're quite right. That question is a really valid thing to ask. And the fact is that the term the "circle of fifths" is really, really super confusing. And I wish it wouldn't get used. But here's the thing. The circle of fifths is a term that is here to stay, and professional and experienced musicians across the globe will use it.
So it's important for you to know what it means, but also it's important for you to understand where the term comes from. And that's what I want to demystify right now. So what I want to give you now is one crucial piece of understanding. So you can see what the term circle of fifths and cycle of fourths are interchangeable.
Both the circle of fifths and the cycle of fourths are like maps of the 12 notes in music, showing how they're connected and related to each other. The circle of fifths moves clockwise, adding a sharp with each new key, while the cycle of fourths moves counterclockwise, adding a flat with each new key.
You can use these concepts to create chord progressions or change keys in music. For example, the chord progression of Dm-G-C in the key of C major can be represented as ii-V-I using the circle of fifths, or as IV-vii-I using the cycle of fourths. And if you want to change from C major to G major, you can move one step clockwise using the circle of fifths, or one step counterclockwise using the cycle of fourths.
So, even though the circle of fifths and cycle of fourths might seem a bit confusing at first, both are interchangeable and can be used to achieve the same musical outcomes. Understanding both of these concepts and how they relate to each other can deepen one's understanding of music theory and practice!
Still confused about these two concepts? How so? Share it in the comments below!
Until next time, keep on jamming.
I'll see you next week!