Music Theory - Using the Circle of Fifths for Minor Keys

The circle of fifths can be used to calculate the key signatures for minor keys. This video shows how to use it for this purpose. Please be aware that this video requires some prior knowledge particularly with regard to enharmonic equivalents as using the circle, for minor keys, is a little more complex than it is for major keys.

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[lotrsavvy]

Wow, I am so glad I found your videos! I learned music theory a few years ago but I wasn't very interested in it, so I didn't commit it to memory. But you videos have reminded me of some of what I've learned and taught me some new things, and are very helpful, since I really want to start trying to compose. Thanks!

[musictheoryguy]

What great news and welcome back to music theory! Do keep watching and good luck with your study - do let me know how you get on. Best wishes.

[musictheoryguy]

Thanks for the kind feedback! Glad to hear you found my video(s) useful.

[silverparapluie Last]

Thank you SO much! These videos must take a lot of time and effort on your part but they are much appreciated. Your tutorials brilliantly clarify the rather dry and at times confusing ABRSM theory book. Natural minor scales logically explained in a few minutes and as a result all has become clear for melodic/harmonic minor scales! Could I ask you please to upload a video that teaches how to calculate the key of a piece of music when the key signature is not given as per grade 2 ABRSM theory?

[musictheoryguy]

It's so nice of you to take the time to write such a kind message - thank you! I'm delighted that my videos have been useful to you. I'm currently working my way through a long list of other ABRSM theory videos and they'll get uploaded as soon as they are available. I'll add your request to my list and hopefully it will appear here soon. Thanks again and best wishes.

[BwillBwill1]

dude, why when i use a piano scale generated for.. example Ab minor, it has 5 flats when you say its 7?

[musictheoryguy]

Ab minor - does indeed have seven flats: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb, Fb. I wonder if you are counting the Cb as B natural and Fb as E natural hence why you are only counting five? Although Cb is the same as B and Fb the same as E when *writing* a scale it must follow the rule that there must be a note on every line and space of the stave. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

[antonmfl]

Father Christmas Gave Dan An Electric Blanket

Blanket Exploded And Dan Got Cunt Faced

hehe

[seeperfectly]

Excellent clear instruction,thanks. In an exam do you write out both major and minor circles or do you superimpose major and minor circles together?

[rojobro1]

Thanks ever so much, this has helped alot! Thanks Mr.W !

[Shuaib Ahmed]

Wait did I just understand all this?... Ye I did!!! Wooooop thank you!!

[GerrrFace]

Thanks so much I have a test tomorrow and naw it dosent look like random letters

- Thank u /sincerely GrrrFace :)

[Nilabh Choudhary]

how many flats will be there for D flat minor?

[BiggysMusic]

You'll need to use the enharmonic equivalent. Gb is the same as F#. Let's find F# from A (our minor reference). It's 3 moves from A so that's 3 letters of our mnemonic giving us F# C# and G#.

[Jebrusis]

@03leee I think it's like b and e double flat with all the rest of them ordinary

[03leee]

Hi I need help how many flats would there be for a g flat minor scale??? Would that be 9 flats (because of nine intervals going on the flat side) because that doesn't exist.