Songs that use the Circle of Fifths progression

Also, if you're thinking right now, "Isn't Am to Dm a perfect fourth, not a perfect fifth?"... well, I've made an extra addendum video to explain just that: • Is this a Perfect 5th ... 🎼😀
📌 In case you're wondering why there is a harsh cut in the middle of this video, it's because there was previously a sponsored segment there which was removed due to the sponsor ceasing trading.
The Circle of Fifths is one of the most important concepts for understanding music theory. Whether it's notes in a melody, key centers in a modulation or chords in a chord progression, the Circle of Fifths can shine some light onto why certain musical relationships sound more harmonious than others.
And, an extra special thanks goes to Douglas Lind, Vidad Flowers, Ivan Pang, Waylon Fairbanks, Jon Dye, Austin Russell, Christopher Ryan, Toot & Paul Peijzel, the channel’s Patreon saints! 😇
SUPPORT ME ON PATREON: / davidbennettpiano 🎹
0:00 the Circle of 5ths progression
1:43 why fifths?
5:50 anti-clockwise Vs clockwise
7:16 Light My Fire by The Doors
8:43 why not constant perfect 5ths?
14:18 Patreon

Пікірлер: 2 700

  • @DavidBennettPiano
    @DavidBennettPiano2 жыл бұрын

    If you're thinking right now, "Isn't Am to Dm a perfect fourth, not a perfect fifth?"... well, I've made an extra addendum video to explain just that: kzread.info/dash/bejne/gp-isbZ_aJfFh7Q.html 🎼😀

  • @rmartin971

    @rmartin971

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks.

  • @thepostapocalyptictrio4762

    @thepostapocalyptictrio4762

    2 жыл бұрын

    so true!

  • @VinceWhitacre

    @VinceWhitacre

    2 жыл бұрын

    And that is precisely why you need that offset chord, the diminished, the flat 3, whatever, to get back "home." for those of us who grew up hearing primarily western music, we're accustomed to certain relationships between tones and chords. If you go from C to F, that's a fifth... but only if C is the V. Like you point out after playing your composition, it never feels really resolved because it sounds like there's a new tonal center with each chord change. V to I. If, on the other hand, C is your I chord... well, like you said, then you're moving by a fourth. V to I is resolved; but I to IV is (traditionally) not. Which is ultimately what's so compelling about such a progression. String enough together and you've got a sequence of changes that are perfect cadences and an unresolved tension at the same time.

  • @towlie337

    @towlie337

    2 жыл бұрын

    Very cool lesson.....but how you gonna use jimi hendrix's hey Joe and then play some one ELSE play and sing it!?! TF?

  • @NNnn-zc2bm

    @NNnn-zc2bm

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@towlie337 if he plays Jimmy' s version then most likely KZread will block the video

  • @reddraws
    @reddraws Жыл бұрын

    playing all the chords in the circle of fifths feels like creating a dramatic climax that can never end

  • @johnny14980

    @johnny14980

    Жыл бұрын

    That is exactly the issue with playing it as is. Every chord is essentially the same transition so there’s no way to differentiate which one is which

  • @ajl8198

    @ajl8198

    Жыл бұрын

    That is so true which is why i have a guilty pleasure for alot of these songs

  • @David-iv6je

    @David-iv6je

    Жыл бұрын

    Eventually comes off as twee.

  • @ndavid901101

    @ndavid901101

    Жыл бұрын

    Try to do it clockwise with only minor chords instead of mayors. If you grouping them by three for example in a time signature of 3/4 or 9/8, you will end up on the starting chord by a less awkward way. It's all about your melody and/or countermelody to make this circle satisfying. ;) On the top of that, you can create a four bar chordprogression that is fitting into the classic 4-8-12 bars trend.

  • @joaquinlezcano2372

    @joaquinlezcano2372

    10 ай бұрын

    Yes - Awaken

  • @CSGATI
    @CSGATI Жыл бұрын

    Musicians never die they just decompose.

  • @scottiepayne213

    @scottiepayne213

    Жыл бұрын

    Good one!🤣

  • @Jennboi

    @Jennboi

    Жыл бұрын

    why did I laugh 😭😭😭

  • @normalizedinsanity4873

    @normalizedinsanity4873

    Жыл бұрын

    So that's what that awful stench is. Thank god, I thought I was dying

  • @marcushaliwell7340

    @marcushaliwell7340

    Жыл бұрын

    Saw what you did there.

  • @alanmcpherson8579

    @alanmcpherson8579

    Жыл бұрын

    They’re decomposing composers ,there’s less of ‘em evry year….

  • @MultiBeerme
    @MultiBeerme11 ай бұрын

    The circle of 5ths is something I use a lot as a DJ. Knowing what key your tracks are in helps greatly when blending melodies.

  • @thomastimlin1724

    @thomastimlin1724

    Ай бұрын

    Hey that's a clever idea...

  • @Stoney3K
    @Stoney3K2 жыл бұрын

    Also note that the diminished fifth is *exactly* 180 degrees opposite the chord it came from -- much like the complimentary colour on a colour wheel. That's why it doesn't sound dissonant, but instead provides a moment of tension which can then naturally resolve through the momentum along the rest of the circle.

  • @sweethands4328
    @sweethands43282 жыл бұрын

    As a guitarist that has played by ear quite well for over two decades. I would like to say, I have learned more theory from your videos in the last few months than I have since playing. I know most of what you cover, but I have never been able to put a name on what I was intuitively doing by ear. I have watched other videos but you put things in the most digestible way. If the student has not learned, then the teacher has not taught anything. Thank you and keep up the great work. You are doing great!

  • @winemeister

    @winemeister

    Жыл бұрын

    That's a very nice comment, and David deserves the acknowledgement. I agree with what you say. I studied piano from age 4 till about 12 and then foolishly allowed it to fold when my tutor died. Like you, I have all this musical knowledge floating around in my head and can usually tell where a piece of music is heading, like sentences music has to make sense. You're also doing great as well as a student, remember you can lead a horse to water but can't make it drink.

  • @DaddyKratosOfTheShire

    @DaddyKratosOfTheShire

    Жыл бұрын

    Yeah as a guitar player I was looking for this exactly but didn't know how to word it

  • @MikehMike01

    @MikehMike01

    Жыл бұрын

    theory is bogus

  • @QKvox

    @QKvox

    Жыл бұрын

    Similar story here haha, ive been playing piano for a while and have a teacher and everything and school but ive learnt so much more theory here than there

  • @minerpvpgaming2160

    @minerpvpgaming2160

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MikehMike01 ur probably tone deaf

  • @TheMister123
    @TheMister1232 жыл бұрын

    The pre-existing song that you couldn't find that uses the entire circle is indeed Yes's "Awaken". Please check it out. And no, Rick Wakeman and co. didn't lose track of their tonal centre at all. But it *is* meant to be a forever-ascending sequence, so the feel is indeed as you say.

  • @yarlodek5842

    @yarlodek5842

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you mentioned that song!

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nice! I’ll check it out now!

  • @cakemartyr5794

    @cakemartyr5794

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@DavidBennettPiano More Yes please (pun intended)

  • @mikeprager4773

    @mikeprager4773

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@DavidBennettPiano We Yes fans obviously want you to listen to and love the whole song, but you can hear the full circle at around 10:35 here kzread.info/dash/bejne/Z22ax7WAaLibdbQ.html . Starts on E and goes counter-clockwise.

  • @JeffJefferyUK

    @JeffJefferyUK

    2 жыл бұрын

    Beat me to it. What a fantastic piece of music. Yes at their/its best.

  • @toddism
    @toddism Жыл бұрын

    I took guitar and banjo lessons for over a decade and nobody ever explained it like this. I also took music theory for 1 quarter in high school and HATED it. You have a gift.

  • @Lily-Bravo
    @Lily-Bravo Жыл бұрын

    I've been dipping in and out of music theory for nearly 60 years and thought lockdown would give me a chance to focus on "getting" it. Well that failed, but today, your video has made the penny drop. Your clear presentation, and use of particular favourite songs has really helped move me on. Thank you so much.

  • @jnathan7171
    @jnathan71712 жыл бұрын

    I have to say it because it’s incredible, the circle of fifth works exactly like a chromatic circle, the way colors fit together in a painting or any visual artwork. Like three colors next to each others are going to look good because they have a color in common (like orange contains both red and yellow so those three colors fit well), and two colors at the opposite of this circle create a contrast that makes them look good as well when together.

  • @greenatom

    @greenatom

    2 жыл бұрын

    I think that's it!

  • @DOGOID

    @DOGOID

    2 жыл бұрын

    I always likened the circle of fifths to the colour wheel.

  • @1998Cebola

    @1998Cebola

    2 жыл бұрын

    You should check out the Adam Neely talk on Ableton's channel if you want a deep dive in the correlation between color and pitch!

  • @RAYGERVATO

    @RAYGERVATO

    2 жыл бұрын

    Jimi Hendrix spoke of how he visualized sound and tones as color hues do in relation to one another on the colorwheel. We know he was great but.... wow! He played by ear, yet was able- to visualize sound, in his mind.

  • @ClueSign

    @ClueSign

    2 жыл бұрын

    Synesthesia is cool.

  • @jwhit98
    @jwhit982 жыл бұрын

    Dave Brubeck’s “In Your Own Sweet Way” takes the circle of fifths all the way from A to B, omitting just the final E that leads back to A. They’re all 7th chords: A7-D7-G7-C7-F7-Bb7-Eb7-Ab7-Db7-Gb7-B7. And it’s not an exercise. It’s a beautiful song.

  • @maloosecat123
    @maloosecat12325 күн бұрын

    That change from F to Bdim always has a powerful pull on me in music!

  • @knutz7
    @knutz7 Жыл бұрын

    Been struggling with bass for over 40 years, found KZread videos on the circle of fifths only recently but none are as good as this as far as demonstrating it to a music/tab/cord illiterate. I knew I liked playing hey Joe tho, now I know why and also why I like the Beatles medley so much. Thank you for explaining it in such an easy to understand way, now I might get somewhere.

  • @SunshineSuperstar

    @SunshineSuperstar

    Жыл бұрын

    Chord*

  • @c0nga
    @c0nga2 жыл бұрын

    your videos have really been helping me get a grip of music theory, it really helps me understand why my favorite songs sound so good! (and also helps me realize why the beatles were so important)

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! 😀😀

  • @johntousseau9380
    @johntousseau93802 жыл бұрын

    Wouldn't be a David Bennett video without a Beatles example. You Never Give Me Your Money is one of my favorite Beatles' songs. Everything from the Abbey Road B side is just a freakin' masterpiece.

  • @dalebaker9109

    @dalebaker9109

    2 жыл бұрын

    It sure is a fabulous album.

  • @darrenmayer9604

    @darrenmayer9604

    2 жыл бұрын

    thanks i was wondering what the name of that song was

  • @randomchannel1566

    @randomchannel1566

    2 жыл бұрын

    Except Sun King

  • @johntousseau9380

    @johntousseau9380

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@randomchannel1566 really? I think it's really good.

  • @randomchannel1566

    @randomchannel1566

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@johntousseau9380 I feel like it's a waste of time compared to what comes next

  • @krakenhawkstratdude204
    @krakenhawkstratdude2042 жыл бұрын

    This is by far the best video on the circle of fifths I’ve seen. Thank you explaining it so well.

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    2 жыл бұрын

    Wow, thank you!

  • @paulrandig
    @paulrandig Жыл бұрын

    I knew everything you were telling us today. But I could never tell it that way. That's why I am happy that you bring this fascinating topic in such an easily understandable way, so that many people understand how wonderful music theory can be.

  • @charlesneuzil5765
    @charlesneuzil57652 жыл бұрын

    Superb video and explanation/demonstration. "Autumn Leaves" is another that has a cool use of the Circle of Fifths as well. I will often run through various chord arpeggios thought the circle going counter clockwise as it is so common in many jazz standards, at least so I've noticed! Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    2 жыл бұрын

    Autumn Leaves is a great example! As is All The Things You Are which is another classic jazz standard😀

  • @djabroni_brochacho4644

    @djabroni_brochacho4644

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yeah I thought his classical example was Autumn leaves for a second. My unlearned self would've assumed that example progression is just the key of C with a secondary dominant.

  • @donaadler6208
    @donaadler6208 Жыл бұрын

    FINALLY! I understand WHY and not just HOW!! Thanks David! You are an exemplary instructor!

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you!!

  • @DaneBryantFrazier
    @DaneBryantFrazier Жыл бұрын

    Your piece there at the end demonstrating the full circle of fifths was like the most unsatisfying thing ever because it just kept going and there was no end lol. So cool and what a great video on this subject.

  • @228Brendon
    @228Brendon Жыл бұрын

    The 2nd guitar solo on “A man I’ll never be” from Boston’s 2nd album goes through a full round of the circle of fifths and resolves back into its key. It’s beautiful.

  • @SpanishMoonRock
    @SpanishMoonRock2 жыл бұрын

    Been playing music for 20 years. I thought the circle of 5ths was a method for remembering your sharps and flats. I didn’t realize you could play it. And I have played three of those songs he mentioned.

  • @yapyap66

    @yapyap66

    2 жыл бұрын

    But oh the circle of fifths gets much much deeper than this fragment There is a incredible video on KZread that blows my mind I will post it here for you if I can find it

  • @JiveDadson

    @JiveDadson

    2 жыл бұрын

    What do you play?

  • @Boddissatva

    @Boddissatva

    Жыл бұрын

    Ya me too. I’ll Have to play this now

  • @calebfudrums
    @calebfudrums2 жыл бұрын

    my god this is so well put together. the examples are so helpful, the commentary is so insightful… this might be my favourite video of yours yet haha. alsooo earth wind and fire’s after the love is gone is a fantastic example of beautiful P5s too!

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! That means a lot 😀

  • @RobertViani
    @RobertViani Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video. After years of listening these songs are basically in my DNA. Perfect method of illustrating not just the sound but the feel of the notes as they relate to each other and the ear. Well done.

  • @stevesatterwhite5141
    @stevesatterwhite51412 жыл бұрын

    THIS IS THE MOST HELPFUL look at this topic that I have ever encountered.

  • @BobMcKinstry
    @BobMcKinstry2 жыл бұрын

    Another gem. The composition around the CoF was almost disturbing. I kept waiting for a tonic to let me know I was home. It never came.

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    2 жыл бұрын

    It’s weird isn’t it! It sounds harmonious and pleasing and yet disoriented!

  • @JMaxfield09
    @JMaxfield092 жыл бұрын

    Here's some examples in C major (off-tonic, IV-ii-V-I): Rocky Raccoon (The Beatles) Saturday in the Park (Chicago) Lovefool (The Cardigans) Also "Perfect Day" by Lou Reed (i-IV-VII-III-Vi-iv-V) & "Virtual Insanity" by Jamiroquai (7-bar verse: i-IV7-VII7-III7-VI7-vi-V7)

  • @bornwithoutprivilege2050
    @bornwithoutprivilege2050 Жыл бұрын

    This was not only interesting and held my attention but it taught me more about music and composition than I have ever learnt. You are a good teacher, a better compliment I cannot say.

  • @michaelfoster4191
    @michaelfoster4191 Жыл бұрын

    These illustrations are clutch; maybe it's just the way I learn, but your ability to show what you're talking about is a game changer for me, nice work...

  • @grrlpurpleable
    @grrlpurpleable2 жыл бұрын

    An endless circle of fifths felt to me like the harmonic equivalent of a Shepard Tone! :D

  • @philcollinslover56705

    @philcollinslover56705

    2 жыл бұрын

    oh wow it would. all the chords interlock into each other 😯

  • @pulykamell

    @pulykamell

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes it’s making me quite anxious not having a resolution to that progression.

  • @oldnelson4298

    @oldnelson4298

    2 жыл бұрын

    I was going to write the exact same thing!

  • @scatlar2

    @scatlar2

    2 жыл бұрын

    Omg same bro I stg I feel so not good after listening to him go on on with that 😵‍💫😵‍💫 :( so unsatisfying

  • @LuckyLootCrate
    @LuckyLootCrate2 жыл бұрын

    This is literally the perfect video and the perfect timing! I am presenting a lesson on circle of fifths in a few days, and these examples are exactly what I need! Thank you very much

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @jamesmcinnis208

    @jamesmcinnis208

    2 жыл бұрын

    "literally"

  • @theavitaravitar1884

    @theavitaravitar1884

    Жыл бұрын

    You should be awarded a noble prize for education.... ive learned so much from you. A new lesson always. makes my day. I've been playing music for many years and this is the best explenation of the circle of fiths I've ever seen. Thank you, You rock!

  • @ronbergendee488
    @ronbergendee4882 жыл бұрын

    You just clicked baited me into learning the circle of fifths the best way anyone has thought me thank you.

  • @photoguy4212
    @photoguy4212 Жыл бұрын

    I’m a guitar player and this is probably the greatest tip I’ve ever heard. Thank you for providing. You’re incredibly talented and a great teacher.

  • @reluctantly_anthony
    @reluctantly_anthony2 жыл бұрын

    6:52 I actually love the C to E transition. Sounds like something Philip Glass would do

  • @Propane_Acccessories

    @Propane_Acccessories

    2 жыл бұрын

    I got a Muse vibe off of that

  • @JiveDadson

    @JiveDadson

    2 жыл бұрын

    Something Coltrane would do. (Giant steps.)

  • @TheDeadOfNight37

    @TheDeadOfNight37

    Жыл бұрын

    He said it was stark and I was ready for something unpleasant, sounded really good

  • @terrylaw18

    @terrylaw18

    Жыл бұрын

    That C to E chord structure , major to major or even dominant major third interval is used all over the place in country, rock n roll, older pop & even blues. Has a very distinctive sound. Once you learn the sound shape can be recognized easily.

  • @isakkkkkk

    @isakkkkkk

    Жыл бұрын

    I think Elton John use this chord progression in Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

  • @jongiles415
    @jongiles415 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this video, as a music teacher, whom was self taught all his life; theory has always been the door hardest for me unlock. This will be a constant watch to help understand this theory. Thank you.

  • @lpa9974
    @lpa9974 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent video on the Circle of Fifths Chord Progressions! I am looking forward to sharing this with my piano students. I never tire of watching and learning from your vast knowledge of music. Even when it’s a bit over my head, I just hang in there and keep replaying until I eventually get it. 👍 And I would like to mention that one of my favorite things about you is your comment section where you so obviously take the extra time to respond to your viewers to help them further understand your topics. That is dedication and I appreciate your effort and energy. It is so rewarding. I feel so fortunate to have found you and your music channel. Take care and I will be on the lookout for your next video. (I am thoroughly excited to be one of your subscribers!)

  • @lostee2001
    @lostee2001 Жыл бұрын

    This is the single greatest video I have ever seen in KZread history! Thank you so much!!

  • @TSutton
    @TSutton2 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely great to have a video that featured a lot of your actual piano playing akin to Adam Neely/Charles Cornell, this really adds a lot to your videos and I hope you keep it up!

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @oelarnes
    @oelarnes2 жыл бұрын

    Recently I've been inspired by the B section of the song "Everyday" performed by Buddy Holly. It's a true circle of fifths shortcutted by a tritone substitution: Eb -> Ab -> Db -> Gb -> Cb -> Bb -> Eb. Not only because of the marvelous Cb in a pop song, but it's such an elegant construction for a simple song form. I'd be interested in other songs like this, since it's close to your ideal of going "all the way around" with the strong resolution on each change back to the root.

  • @empresaglova1268

    @empresaglova1268

    2 жыл бұрын

    What a spectacular song that. Buddy Holly is a legendary songwriter

  • @terrylaw18

    @terrylaw18

    Жыл бұрын

    Guy I worked with back in the 70s/80s. Everyday was his theme song. Opened each show with it. I played hammond c3 in it & later left hand key bass also. Ironically, when I first learned the song I had never heard it by Buddy. Rock n roll songs in that era didn't get much exposure. Later when I heard it done by Buddy I still remember my comment that our version rocked way harder. I did a hammond solo in the bell sounding part and carried through the chorus, circle part. A great song. Buddy was indeed one of the greatest. Check out his version of "Early in the morning"

  • @marcelobruno4084
    @marcelobruno4084 Жыл бұрын

    Buenísimo! David, sos de lo mejor que puede hallarse en KZread, en relación con los conceptos de la música. Gracias!

  • @enriquepalacio62
    @enriquepalacio62 Жыл бұрын

    This video broadened my musical horizon a lot. You are a teacher, thank you very much from Perú Este video abrió mi horizonte musical, eres un verdadero maestro. Muchas gracias desde Perú 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇵🇪👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

  • @Arnwald
    @Arnwald2 жыл бұрын

    There's also the possibility to swap the Bdim with a B flat, making the F a perfect fifth and the B flat a diminished fifth, like in "She's always a woman" by Billy Joel or "Hello" by Lionel Richie

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yeah I love that! I think that is also done in “Windmills of your mind” by Noel Harrison

  • @ericrakestraw664

    @ericrakestraw664

    2 жыл бұрын

    "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" by Christopher Cross also does that.

  • @bigdog2432

    @bigdog2432

    2 жыл бұрын

    Big dog big turd “stinkin mornin” also does it

  • @ericrakestraw664

    @ericrakestraw664

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@bigdog2432 I don't think I've heard that one before.

  • @justintroyka8855

    @justintroyka8855

    2 жыл бұрын

    Elton John, "Funeral for a Friend", does this!

  • @glazdarklee1683
    @glazdarklee16832 жыл бұрын

    This was such an excellent presentation. That so many diverse songs all use the same progression is refreshing, but also challenging when attempting to compose music. It is easy to fall into a comforting pattern and end up simply re-inventing a familiar song.

  • @billcarsonasmr5022
    @billcarsonasmr5022 Жыл бұрын

    Im an intermediate guitarist .. i love different genres of music n i always played songs composed according to the circle of fifth but i never got to know the name of this beautifull relaxing lovely chord progression i was playing till lately when i came across this video .. thanks buddy

  • @boriscat1999
    @boriscat1999 Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video. You put together a lot of concepts for composition in just over 15 minutes, and with real world examples. Thanks for putting this together!

  • @qydyralikulov4599
    @qydyralikulov45992 жыл бұрын

    Good vid, as always, man! Even though I've heard of this circle of fifth thing before in my music school, you've shed more light to it, and it made me look at all this stuff in a different perspective for a little, and you've used all the songs that I thought would make a nice tutorial in this topic, which is cool and spooky 😅 been playing all those songs in and out and you never know how things are related to each other until you try to make connections. :) Thanks for your content man!

  • @omnipop4936
    @omnipop49362 жыл бұрын

    Man, that nearly minute-and-a-half passage starting at 12:35 was flippin' _gorgeous._ For some reason, doing laps around the 'Circle' produces (in me anyway) a sort of "hope springs eternal" feeling - like, a new day is suddenly dawning with each chord change, as you realize you're not quite where you _thought_ you were, tonally. Like being continually surprised and delighted. Does anyone else feel that? Wow.

  • @alasdairmacintyre9383

    @alasdairmacintyre9383

    Жыл бұрын

    Haha it kind of drives me crazy. It's like the shepard tone of chord progressions and never feels like it resolves!

  • @andersjjensen

    @andersjjensen

    Жыл бұрын

    It would work perfectly for a "We're training/prepping for plot-height mission"-scene in a movie... PROVIDED that once the final nail is in/the last push-up has been pushed/the critical gadget has been acquired, then the bloody thing resolves with a V->I so we can all get a sense of accomplishment! :P

  • @kevinr.3542

    @kevinr.3542

    Жыл бұрын

    For me its constantly resolving, and the home key just keeps changing.

  • @krishtchin4324

    @krishtchin4324

    Жыл бұрын

    it isn’t very pretty, listen to basically any vivaldi piece for a great example of actual beautiful c of fifths

  • @list55

    @list55

    Жыл бұрын

    Way too construed

  • @paulgoodwin1029
    @paulgoodwin1029 Жыл бұрын

    That was fascinating. As a lifelong Yes fan I instantly recognized the progressions of a chunk of their epic "Awaken", from 13:43 until about 14:00 here. 👍🏻👍🏻 Any other Yes fans hear it?

  • @888bam

    @888bam

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes! Awaken starts on E

  • @markjacobsen8335

    @markjacobsen8335

    Жыл бұрын

    I've been sharing "Awaken" as a circle of fifths example for a few decades now. They use it in several places, the most prominent being the "Workings of man" section, and then the "Masters of" section into the great climactic part right before the choir comes in. Another familiar piece that uses it is Genesis "Firth Of Fifth", which they humorously refer to in that son's title as they make a play on words on Firth Of Forth, which is an estuary in Scotland.

  • @jocelynalonso5239
    @jocelynalonso5239 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for this video! It was so fascinating seeing the circle of fifths used in real time. This video has helped me so much with touching base and understanding an introduction to music theory.

  • @feliciab2
    @feliciab22 жыл бұрын

    The progression you played at the beginning instantly brought to mind the introduction and chorus of Could It be Magic (based on Chopin's Prelude in C Minor). I checked the chords and it doesn't quite fit but it sounded so similar.

  • @atomicchanteuse5095

    @atomicchanteuse5095

    2 жыл бұрын

    EXACTLY the song(s) I was thinking of! Too many younger people of today haven't been exposed to Manilow's great skill for weaving Classical techniques with Pop style because he was so rudely written off by Rock critics and fans of edgier music.

  • @feliciab2

    @feliciab2

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@atomicchanteuse5095 Yeah my mum was a fan so I grew up with it. But I believe Take That did a version of it when Robbie Williams was still with them so I thought perhaps younger people might be more familiar with it through them.

  • @atomicchanteuse5095

    @atomicchanteuse5095

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@feliciab2 Unfortunately, Take That was a One-Hit-Wonder group here in the US. Solo Robbie did better here than with the group! But, I digress...

  • @roberth9197
    @roberth91972 жыл бұрын

    'Hold Me Tight' by Paul McCartney/Wings (not the Beatles song of the same name) does 11 steps round the chord cycle. Starting at the D chord at the end of the verse it's then anticlockwise steps all the way through the chorus leading to A by the start of the next verse. So D to A the long way round.

  • @robertgrimes691

    @robertgrimes691

    Жыл бұрын

    I’m so glad you mentioned this! The is a monumental achievement by Paul! Fittingly he sings “I’ve waited all my life for you!”

  • @jonyates8821
    @jonyates88212 жыл бұрын

    "Awaken" by Yes uses all 12 chords from the circle as follows: E, A/C#, D/A, G, C/E, F/C, Bb, Eb/G, Ab/Eb, Db, Gb/Bb, B/F#. It repeats multiple times and as you point out feels very ambiguous in regards to key.

  • @LeJazzfan
    @LeJazzfan2 жыл бұрын

    Whoaaaa... I didn't know you can arrange music like you do colors. This video has been hanging on the right column for a few weeks. So glad I decided to watch it.

  • @fathuman
    @fathuman2 жыл бұрын

    Gary Moore's trademark ballad sound is typically based around Circle of Fifths progressions. Still Got the Blues, Spanish Guitar, The Loner, Parisian Walkways, One Day. Typically he'd write a structured melody on top and then cut loose and shred all over the cycle later on in the song.

  • @kippsguitar6539

    @kippsguitar6539

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes they all sound extremely similar

  • @bojo18

    @bojo18

    2 жыл бұрын

    i love still got the blues

  • @TheHappySpaceman
    @TheHappySpaceman2 жыл бұрын

    Great video! I can think of one hit song from the 1980s, "Never Gonna Let You Go" by Sergio Mendes, that heavily uses the Circle of Fifths progression in its, but was almost constantly changing key signatures (I think it had 26 in total?), making it a very unique example. Rick Beato did a video on it a while back.

  • @FabianPortilla
    @FabianPortilla2 жыл бұрын

    This is the most useful video i've seen about circle of 5th's. I've been stuck creating music lately. But this veido and II, V I, have been a game changer. Thanks so much David!

  • @musachi5999
    @musachi59992 жыл бұрын

    And yet again you've instantly improved my music theory understanding tremendously. Thanks.

  • @boomerdell
    @boomerdell2 жыл бұрын

    What a gifted teacher, presenter, producer, and musician. Thank you, Muses, for sending us David!

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Dell! And thanks for your support!

  • @dancollinsandapiano
    @dancollinsandapiano2 жыл бұрын

    5:23 - I kinda.. dig the “chaotic” chord motion haha.

  • @jeromeescudier6071

    @jeromeescudier6071

    2 жыл бұрын

    Do you know a band called Cardiacs? some of their songs sounds like this Edit: For exemple "Wind and rain is cold" have this feeling i think

  • @112BALAGE112

    @112BALAGE112

    2 жыл бұрын

    Then John Coltrane - Giant Steps is for you.

  • @SirBenjiful

    @SirBenjiful

    2 жыл бұрын

    Plenty of music both popular and experimental uses chord movement like that, it doesn’t even necessarily sound chaotic especially if justified by the melody, arrangement, & voice leading. Either approach to harmony can be appropriate, depending on your aesthetic goals!

  • @pepafonico

    @pepafonico

    2 жыл бұрын

    So do I! That chord motion could easily be a Kate Bush song like Wuthering Heights, for example

  • @joejohnson4423
    @joejohnson4423 Жыл бұрын

    I thank you, I love you . For the 1st time, I get what the circle of fiths about. I've known about it for years and just did not get it and you're intuitive detail Explanation helps me understand it. I truly understand now. I used to say what's it even for.

  • @geraldfer
    @geraldfer Жыл бұрын

    This is so refreshing. I was just looking around for some inspiration to get back on my piano...and here you are... thank you for each word and satisfying note and cords you showed us and played today... thank you

  • @hrdwrd2570
    @hrdwrd25702 жыл бұрын

    I find moving between unrelated chords gives that grungy feel to songs. In combination with a cool vocal melody it makes for beautifully unique ambiances.

  • @prettyshinyspaghetti8332

    @prettyshinyspaghetti8332

    2 жыл бұрын

    Agreed. I actually made a song with chords that aren't typically together, and I immediately got a grungy cound

  • @SeanLaMontagne

    @SeanLaMontagne

    2 жыл бұрын

    I have learned to be weary when the words "unpleasant" or "bad" is used in music theory videos (and classes), because of how much our tastes are based on our culture.

  • @cakemartyr5794
    @cakemartyr57942 жыл бұрын

    That's really well explained. Thank you. You have got me thinking on how to work a cut down circle into a composition.

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Go for it!

  • @sleepwalking117
    @sleepwalking117 Жыл бұрын

    I've been trying to understand the circle of fifths for years now and you finally made it click. Also for any guitarists out there, to find the circle of fifths use a 2 note power chords like 3rd fret with is C and G. From the G start a new power chord which is G and D, continue the pattern and you've got it.

  • @deanmayberry9713
    @deanmayberry9713 Жыл бұрын

    Perfectly explained. Thank you! I was struggling to get the concept for the longest time, but you simplified it for anyone.

  • @sinewaymusic
    @sinewaymusic Жыл бұрын

    Very interesting! I guess the human mind is wired to look for patterns, and with 12 consecutive chords, no matter how pleasant they sound together, the brain struggles to spot the pattern. This is probably why the most popular music today all use 4/4 or maybe 3/4 or 6/8 time signatures and fairly predictable chord progressions limited to maximum of 4 progressions. Four is a bit of a magic number in terms of how much the brain can comfortably keep in the short term memory. Thanks for making these videos!

  • @Trithnania

    @Trithnania

    Жыл бұрын

    Not just that, but grouping things in pairs makes it easier to have question/answer patterns. Measure 2 is the answer of measure 1 and measure 4 is the answer if measure 3. And at the same time measures 3 and 4 together are the answers to measures 1 and 2 together.

  • @Zaitor
    @Zaitor2 жыл бұрын

    This is used also in one of the openings ("Melissa") from the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime :D I always thought of it as the "Handel's Passacaglia chord progression"

  • @beegeewhy
    @beegeewhy Жыл бұрын

    I’ve been playing guitar for 55 years and I just now get it. Somehow this got through. Thanks very much for this.

  • @rabmacleod6331
    @rabmacleod63316 ай бұрын

    It's probably my 5th time watching this video. I get more out of it every time. You teach wonderfully and so clearly. I subscribed a few years ago and I look forward to your releases.

  • @Craigevansagain
    @Craigevansagain Жыл бұрын

    Mike Oldfield's epic Incantations album was built around the circle of Fifths. He also used the circle on the tracks Guilty, First Excursion and the start of Punkadiddle. Tubular Bells Side 2 might also be partially partially built on the circle.

  • @matthewmcnaughton7540
    @matthewmcnaughton75402 жыл бұрын

    I would love to see you make a collaboration with Charles Cornell. You both have given me hundreds of hours of fascinating music theory content and you explain them so clearly. Maybe you can do an analysis of Hans Zimmer's movie scores.

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    2 жыл бұрын

    I’d love to collab with Charles. He and I have chatted before on Zoom and he’s a lovely man!

  • @richarddoan9172

    @richarddoan9172

    2 жыл бұрын

    They have very different styles. That could just turn out weird.

  • @DaveTaste

    @DaveTaste

    2 жыл бұрын

    He passed away in 2017. I'd say he was the best vocalist in rock. Freddie Mercury was good too and Robert Plant was similar in tone and range.

  • @agerven
    @agerven Жыл бұрын

    Very fine vid, you're a great tutor! i never actively made use of the circle of fifths, but i'm sure to give it more attention now. What i found striking in your piece going full circle, is that after the 4th chord i got some sense of searching, and after the 8th chord i was certain something should come to break this circle. See how influenced one is by all classical hits (i.e. the songs you mentioned in the intro) from the radio (yeah, being from the pre-tv age).

  • @K.Dor.888
    @K.Dor.888 Жыл бұрын

    It shows that Tension is the most important part of the song... When you apply that tension and how you do it is up to the composer. Wow,... Amazing I love your channel and I learn so much. Thank you.

  • @NickyWaters
    @NickyWaters2 жыл бұрын

    This is my new favourite chord progression !

  • @jyotektosgaimur
    @jyotektosgaimur2 жыл бұрын

    The globalist by muse has a very nice chord progression similar to this: A/C#, Dm, G, C, F, Bb, E/G#, Am, G/B, C Also, a lot of muse songs do this too, but varied like Unintended, Unnatural Selection and Soaked.

  • @michal1991994
    @michal1991994 Жыл бұрын

    I was trying to learn what the circle is about in the past but this video made it much more clearer. Big thanks my friend!

  • @TippitoWOW
    @TippitoWOW Жыл бұрын

    I was missing this class for almost 15 years. God bless you mate and thank you so much !!

  • @johnmorrell
    @johnmorrell Жыл бұрын

    One of the most profound uses of the Circle is the song Awaken by Yes. It's a real masterpiece of melodic construction and dynamism. I do believe they are also using Fibonacci in the quiet organ and harp section in the middle of the song as well. All that, in one amazing piece of music!

  • @GlobalWarring

    @GlobalWarring

    Жыл бұрын

    The most incredible and uplifting piece I ever heard 🙏

  • @markjacobsen8335

    @markjacobsen8335

    Жыл бұрын

    YES "Awaken" is my favorite piece of music of all time.

  • @piadas804

    @piadas804

    11 ай бұрын

    My favourite song that uses that progression is Yoiyami no Uta by sound horizon, it's so epic

  • @Don-ri5ve

    @Don-ri5ve

    3 ай бұрын

    What's Fibonacci? Apart from the spiral

  • @Paul71H
    @Paul71H2 жыл бұрын

    The song "Awaken" by Yes, from the album "Going for the One," is a song that uses a progression that goes through the entire circle of fifths. (And it's a wonderful, magical, mystical song.)

  • @MuzixMaker

    @MuzixMaker

    2 жыл бұрын

    Widely thought of as their masterpiece.

  • @Paul71H

    @Paul71H

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@MuzixMaker Indeed, along with Close to the Edge. Have you seen the version of Awaken performed by Jon Anderson with an Icelandic band called Todmobile? If not, look it up on KZread; you won't regret it!

  • @robwilco9204

    @robwilco9204

    Жыл бұрын

    “I came here to say this, but knew in my heart it already been said.” 🙏🏻

  • @christiandubeau20

    @christiandubeau20

    Жыл бұрын

    And that album DID reach number "One" on the charts!

  • @wildfeather
    @wildfeather Жыл бұрын

    Your presentation of this concept is absolutely masterful. It is the gift professors at major universities wish they had, and very few possess. Bravo.

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @werllo
    @werllo Жыл бұрын

    This is completely mind blowing stuff.. I'm not the type to comment usually but man, this whole channel just amazes me over and over again.

  • @caitlynshevchenko300
    @caitlynshevchenko3002 жыл бұрын

    Love this video, super insightful! If anyone’s really interested in this stuff like I am, you should check out a Circle of Fifths with the relative minors. The progression he showed about 5:30ish is a little different than the real progression. (For example: It should actually start at the top of the circle, since Am has no sharps or flats). Anyways love the video this is so cool!

  • @MatthewShawMusic
    @MatthewShawMusic2 жыл бұрын

    The Strokes use all 12 major chords using the circle of fifths on the outro of “15 Minutes” You should definitely check it out

  • @johnwebb4499
    @johnwebb44997 ай бұрын

    You're an awesome teacher bro. I taught myself to play piano watching channels like yours. I can play 300-400 songs now. After just 3 fun years of practicing and 4 years of studying Music Theory. I love it

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    7 ай бұрын

    Excellent,thank you 😊😊

  • @leonardoiglesias2394

    @leonardoiglesias2394

    6 ай бұрын

    I can play all the Mahler Symphonies on the clarinet. After playing 54 years the clarinet.

  • @Gilpow
    @Gilpow11 ай бұрын

    The intro to Green Day's Restless Heart Syndrome is a circle of fifths! The song seemingly randomly popped into my head shortly after watching this video and, now that I've checked on my guitar: it's a circle of fifths indeed! I remember when I was 15 listening to the song for the first time and being fairly impressed by that chord progression (even though, while seemingly rather complex, it did nonetheless sound fairly "conventional" to my ears). It's good to know what the heck that was! Haha Much love to you, David. You're by far the best music education content creator on KZread.

  • @skeletonmodel
    @skeletonmodel2 жыл бұрын

    Such a great video. Well made and very well explained. Thanks for taking this effort

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @Mo-MuttMusic
    @Mo-MuttMusic2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing. I had heard of the Circle of Fifths, but I don't think I had heard someone explain it until now. Easy to understand. Great examples, too. I hope to utilize it at least in some composing exercises to see what happens. Shawn R., Mo-Mutt Music/Sacred & Secular

  • @damianwebzyx6613
    @damianwebzyx6613 Жыл бұрын

    I’m amazed how sweet your playing about the full circle of fifth’s was … very well done 👍

  • @eduardotrillo3519
    @eduardotrillo3519 Жыл бұрын

    best music theory channel on KZread... thanks David!

  • @jalawto
    @jalawto2 жыл бұрын

    Two things. Firstly when you played the chord progression to give an example of a disjointed sound, it sounded like Wurthering Heights, ha! And, this channel is so amazing I almost don’t want it to get too popular or everyone will end up being a wicked songwriter : D

  • @Roikat

    @Roikat

    2 жыл бұрын

    You’re exactly right, Wuthering Heights has a wandering series of major chords that don’t connect by normal functional harmony. That technique is used a lot in movie scores as well.

  • @riinak7212
    @riinak72122 жыл бұрын

    Real McCoy's "Another Night" and Ace of Base's "Beautiful Life" use the first part of that for their general chord progression, but "Beautiful Life" really fleshes it out more. In much of the song it uses the top line but it either skips the last chord or directly after the last chord it drops down to seventh chord in the cycle (Cm-Fm-Bb-Eb-G, and sometimes Cm-Fm-Bb-Gsus4-G), and then there are different changes in the bridge to break out of the cycle. It has a very cool chord progression.

  • @TMCremixes

    @TMCremixes

    Жыл бұрын

    There's many songs that use the first half of the circle. "Killing Me Softly" is another.

  • @davecase8746
    @davecase87462 жыл бұрын

    Wow. Just wow, and thank you...as an adult learner, (55-YOUNG!), lol, I have been laboriously slogging and drilling myself--maintaining playfulness, (for what am I doing if not having fun?), this video was like an illumination of things I am just beginning to grasp. Thank you, thank you, thank you...I don't kniow how many hours you have saved me...let me "play" with my newfound insights and see what happens...HUGS!

  • @Capt-Cran
    @Capt-Cran Жыл бұрын

    This video is the the best EVER explaining this!!

  • @MarkFromHawaii
    @MarkFromHawaii Жыл бұрын

    Love this video. Interesting that the "at random" chords include G, Eb and B, which rearranged between the Eb and B have a major third (or augmented fifth) tonal center relationship that is used quite a bit in modern jazz. And they form an equilateral triangle around the circle.

  • @samcoleman605
    @samcoleman6052 жыл бұрын

    The transition part of A Day in The Life vamps around the circle of 5ths twice from C all the way to E.

  • @DavidBennettPiano

    @DavidBennettPiano

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nice example!

  • @TatianaBoshenka
    @TatianaBoshenka2 ай бұрын

    I love how you play during the outro. It makes me want to listen to the very end.

  • @andeanandean220
    @andeanandean2202 жыл бұрын

    Incredible music teacher! Enjoying and learning so much.

  • @scorpionleader1967
    @scorpionleader19672 жыл бұрын

    Never any resolution for the endless circle of fifths song. Maddening to listen to.

  • @Noone-of-your-Business
    @Noone-of-your-Business Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for finally explaining what this contraption is all about. I learnt the circle of 5ths in my instrumental lessons 40 years ago, but I didn't know what the hell to _do_ with it. The same with triplets. I never learnt to _apply_ any theory I memorized. Maybe that's going to change. Plenty of songs are waiting to be written.

  • @rosalinddavies8466
    @rosalinddavies84665 ай бұрын

    Been learning the Viola and these videos have really helped refresh my memory from when I studied music at school as a teenager. It’s really clicking into place