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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[musictheoryguy]

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

[silverparapluie]

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]

@silverparapluie 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]

@BwillBwill1 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.

[amandacorndolly]

I have just watched this and the 2 previous. very helpful and extremely clearly and well presented.

I had been trying some theory exercises. they ask you to write, without key signature a scale of A major. this was ok but then it asked for  the scale of a minor either harmonic or melodic. then I was stuck. more on minor keys would also interest me.

how to create the different type of keys etc.

[musictheoryguy]

Many thanks for your suggestions and kind comments.

I'm currently putting together some videos about clefs (as of 1 Aug 2010) but once these are uploaded it is my intention to focus on the different types of scales - the question you refer to seems to be an all-too-common problem for students studying music theory. Once they are released I'll drop you a line.

Many thanks again for your comments and do keep watching!

Best wishes.

[herculeslite]

Your videos are great, and are helping to shed light on something I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to teach myself from books. Thank you so much.

[vgarga73]

Thanks for this vedio. Lot informative. I think those who did not devote time or din't apply mind to understand seemingly hard concept disliked it.

Keep it up.

[SaraJacob97]

Thanks for the video but I still don't understand how use harmonic and melodic minors.

[teamvibralux]

I don't see why there are so many dislikes on these circle of fifths vids. I guess people are just assuming it's wrong because they don't get it haha

[ltveco8]

why so many dislikes this guy is awsome

[TheHunnyhillbees]

Very helpful video - thank for posting

[Jirobou196]

What is up with all the dislikes? This guy just saved my grade in Music Theory I! Thanks man.

[BarryHan]

thank you so much for these videos! it really helps me alot. Could i ask you please to upload more videos on grade 4 ABRSM guide? Rewriting of rhythm in terms of time signature given.. greatly appreciate...

[MSGamer2218]

Your really helping me learn my stuff man! I've been trying to figure out the circle of fifths for months! I'm ADHD and that can make things like circle of fifths very very difficult. But your patient and you really stripped down this concept to nuts and bolts, all the while keeping it's total complexity in perspective! Your saving my life with these videos!! I'm learning what I couldnt have learned anywhere else(: THANK YOU SO MUCH!! keep up the good work, your awesome!!