The circle of fifths is a deceptively simple diagram that lays out every musical note, key, three-note chord and scale, and charts the relationship between them. A bit like a musical version of the ...

Don't be afraid. The circle of fifths looks confusing but it's only ever here to help. And a basic understanding of what it's trying to tell you could lead you down a whole new creative superhighway.

This is part one of our journey through the musical keys. It is a continuation of our exploration of synesthesia, the ability of many musicians to see colors in each musical key. That phenomenon, ...