Circle of Fifths - Handheld Music Theory Tool for Musicians, Songwriters, and Teachers – Portable & Easy-to-Use Key Finder and Chord Progression Guide by MusicLabs.ca

perfect reminder of minors and sub chords that correspond to majors

The device is bigger than I anticipated ( pictured next to a quarter for reference) its solid and of a decent quality, the dial clicks in position for easier adjustment.The device helps quickly identify major and minor chords that would work on a specific root key, as you know you can have a printed circle of Fifths or just look at it on a screen, this device removes the need for a screen or paper, and helps to position the root chord as 1st and skip the mental math required when using printed circles.Overall, if you're looking for a physical circle of Fifths this is a great product, my only comment is that it could achieve the same function even if it was half of its current size.

I started playing the piano last year and find music theory fascinating. This circle of fifths dial is a great tool to help visualize chord progressions and it's nice to have it on a desk or next to the piano instead of looking into a book. I love that it's interactive. Turning the dial is easy but it's a bit noisy. Also, there was some black plastic powder residue on the white parts of the dial. It came off but it was not nice to find on a brand new item.Although this is a useful tool for chord progressions, I still feel like a circle of fifths where you all the information is visible is also good to have. This one hides half of the info and only focuses on one key at a time.

A basic understanding of music theory terms such as scales, chords, parallel chords, triads, keys, the Nashville number system, relative minors, etc. will be necessary to fully understand what this circle of fifths free standing dial is showing you. However, depending on how rapidly you progress in learning the basics, if you have not yet reached that point, it won’t be long before you will be able to begin utilizing the features available.I have another circle of fifths wheel besides the MusicLab dial. It basically shows everything about every key. (By everything, I mean everything within the scope of the music information that such a tool is intended to cover). The seller, MusicLabs, emphasizes the fact that only information relative to the key you are focused on is displayed and information related to other keys is hidden, thus reducing confusion. I agree. It certainly is decluttered and simple to use.One thing that I struggled with a bit when reading the product information on Amazon was understanding what all the functions of the dial are. For instance, the back of the dial was not shown in any of the pictures, so I was not sure if there was additional information displayed there. I had no idea what the purpose of the two white radial lines, at a 90-degree angle to each other on the right side of the dial, was and they were not mentioned in the description. However, I went ahead, took a chance and ordered. I have to say that, after receiving the dial and getting familiar with it, I now understand it. Like so many other things, it is simple in retrospect. There is nothing additional on the back side, which makes sense since the dial is inclined on the stand so that the front side is facing the viewer. The two white radial lines, I have concluded, bracket a common minor chord progression (i-iv-v) and the corresponding chords (a-d-e for the key of C Major). Likewise, counterclockwise from the upper radial line, the major chord progression (I-IV-V) is shown as well as the corresponding chords (C-F-G for the key of C Major). The lines may also be intended to facilitate identifying parallel chords which are located 90 degrees apart (from Major to minor is clockwise and minor to Major, counterclockwise). I am not sure if that was the intent, but it works. The remaining single window at the bottom shows the ii-diminished and the vii-diminished chord. Some basic explanation in the description of these items (back of dial and radial lines) would be helpful. So, at my level of music theory knowledge (high beginner or low intermediate), between experimenting with the dial and visiting the MusicLab website and YouTube channel, I have become acquainted with the MusicLab circle of fifths dial to my satisfaction.In summary, I like the ease of using the dial since only information relative to the selected key is displayed. I like having it on my desk and being able to reference it immediately without having to retrieve one of my flat circle of fifth wheels, which tend to get misplaced. Consequently, I find that I refer to it more often than before. It certainly simplifies key changes which often are something that you want to resolve quickly. There are so many interdependent parts to learning music in general (music theory, performance, composition, improvisation, etc.) and I consider this circle of fifth dial to be a good addition to my “toolbox” as I pursue that goal.

...is a cool tool for someone like me who likes to pick music apart, in real time, from the radio. Only downside was the annoying ratchet feature that serves to keep the dial in place. Took apart, filed off the small pimples, reassembled, and it now gets 5 stars!

This product and videos have helped my son so much! Regular guitar lessons do very little in the way of music theory. These products make it easy to both learn and retain the information that anyone can use in their musical journey. Amazing!

this sits nicely in the studio for learners, handheld and lightweight

I must say that this is a very useful tool.The product does exac what it is designed to do I a very simple and easy tou use way.I would recommend this product to beginners, teachers, and music schools alike.The creator is very friendly and he generosity donated two of these to the Guitars For Vets Program in Fort Wayne.I urge you to support this product. You'll learn how to use chords and progession in no time.

This well-designed and well-made tool is a game-changer for anyone looking to master chord progressions effortlessly. With its clear, easy-to-read display of Roman numerals, it simplifies music theory in seconds. No more guessing or memorizing complex patterns—just turn the dial and get instant clarity. Perfect for musicians at any level, this tool makes understanding chord relationships easier than ever! I will definitely be recommending this to my other musician friends 💯