Global InformationCircle of thirds information
In music theory, the circle of thirds, also known as the cycle of thirds, is a way of organizing pitches, and is a foundational pattern in music. This cycle is expressed through a sequence of 24 keys and therefore notes, which are changed by shifting up or down by a major or minor third. This in turn will lead to a noticeable visual pattern (a circle) and an auditory pattern (interconnected pitches), which are derived from the chromatic scale. Starting from C, the cycle goes as follows: C, Em, G, Bm, D, F♯m, A, C♯m, E, G♯, B, D♯m, F♯/G♭, B♭m, D♭, Fm, A♭, Cm, E♭, Gm, B♭, Dm, F, Am, and back to C.[1][a]
The circle of thirds is formed by placing the notes of a major or minor scale in order of thirds, instead of in their ascending order of scale degrees. In other words, this pattern is not dependent on a position within a scale, rather a sequence of thirds. When in a key other than C, the sequence will not start from C, but it will still be in the same overall order when viewed as a circle.[2]
- ^ "Bracker Whistles & Flutes". music.bracker.uk. Retrieved 2024-01-30.
- ^ "Circle of Thirds: Visual Tool for Chords in Major or Minor Scales". muted.io. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
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