1. 12 Fundamental Notes → The Circle of Fifths

The 12 Fundamental Notes

• These are the 12 fundamental notes in western music.

• Each black key has two names
  • Example: The black key between C and D can be called C# (C-sharp) or D♭ (D-flat).

12 Fundamental Notes → Octaves

• The 12 fundamental notes form a unit called an octave.
• Multiple octaves are positioned next to each other on a piano keyboard.
• Lower octaves (left side of the keyboard) → Produce lower-pitched sounds.
• Higher octaves (right side of the keyboard) → Produce higher-pitched sounds.
• While there are only 12 fundamental notes, each note has higher and lower pitched versions across different octaves.

12 Fundamental Notes → The Circle of Fifths

When first learning piano, you might assume that notes next to each other on the keyboard will naturally sound melodic. However, the most melodic interval are not adjacent notes but those that are seven notes apart.

The Perfect Fifth Interval

• If you start on the note C and count up seven notes, you land on G.
• This interval is called a Perfect Fifth, the most melodic interval in Western music.
• The Perfect Fifth is fundamental in chords, scales, and melodies.

• Repeat this process to go from the note G to the note D.

• Repeat this process to go from the note D to the note A.

• By moving from one note to its Perfect Fifth, and then to the next note’s Perfect Fifth, we create the outer ring of the Circle of Fifths.

• The Circle of Fifths progresses clockwise, cycling through all 12 notes before repeating.
• This structure organizes musical keys and helps musicians understand melodic relationships between notes and chords.
• The outer ring represents major chords (C, G, D, A, etc.).
• The inner ring represents minor chords (A minor, E minor, B minor, etc.).
• If you start on C in the inner ring and move clockwise, you will see the same repeating pattern in minor chords as in the major key sequence.

Use the Circle of Fifths