EXAMPLE 1
C major
No sharps or flats
C · Dm · Em · F · G · Am · B°
Its relative minor is A minor, dominant is G major and subdominant is F major.
Harmony explorer
Interactive Circle of Fifths
Move through major and minor keys, inspect signatures and diatonic chords, then build and audition progressions at the tempo shared across Amanita.
FreeNo loginWorks offlineWeb and desktop
Core formula
clockwise tonic = (current pitch class + 7) mod 12
counter-clockwise tonic = (current pitch class - 7) mod 12
relative minor = major tonic - 3 semitones
relative major = minor tonic + 3 semitones
Clockwise movement also increases the number of sharps by one; counter-clockwise movement increases the number of flats by one.
How the circle organizes harmony
The circle of fifths arranges pitch classes by perfect fifth. Moving clockwise adds one sharp to the key signature; moving counter-clockwise adds one flat. Keys next to each other share six of seven scale notes, so they often connect smoothly.
The inner ring shows relative minor keys, which use the same signature as their major relatives. Amanita also lays out the seven diatonic chords and lets you assemble a progression before trying it in the DAW.
Worked examples
Concrete values you can verify in the calculator and transfer directly to a production session.
EXAMPLE 2
E-flat major
3 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭
E♭ · Fm · Gm · A♭ · B♭ · Cm · D°
The relative minor is C minor; adjacent circle keys are B-flat and A-flat major.
EXAMPLE 3
Classic pop loop
I–V–vi–IV in E major
E · B · C#m · A
The same functional pattern can be moved to any selected major key without changing its harmonic role.
| Major key | Signature | Relative minor | Dominant | Subdominant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0 | Am | G | F |
| G | 1 sharp | Em | D | C |
| E♭ | 3 flats | Cm | B♭ | A♭ |
| A | 3 sharps | F#m | E | D |
| F | 1 flat | Dm | C | B♭ |
| F# | 6 sharps | D#m | C# | B |
Use it in a session
The calculator is deliberately direct: set the musical context, inspect the result and copy it where you need it.
- Choose a keySelect a major key on the outer ring or its relative minor on the inner ring.
- Read the harmonic mapReview the signature, scale notes, diatonic chords, dominant and subdominant.
- Build a progressionTap chord functions, reorder the idea and audition the loop at the current BPM.
Where it helps
Songwriting
Find diatonic chords and reliable progression starting points in any key.
Key changes
Move through neighboring keys with maximum shared notes and minimal friction.
Sampling
Identify compatible keys when layering loops, vocals and melodic samples.
Arrangement
Use relative major and minor relationships to change mood without changing the signature.
Studio note: The circle is a map, not a rule. Nearby keys give smooth movement, while distant keys can create the contrast that makes a section feel new.
Calculate it in Amanita
Open the exact tool with your saved tempo and tuning values intact. Nothing to install, no account and no ads.