The other day a student wanted to know how to write a song? That's easy I replied, just apply your talent and creativity to the 4 7 3 6 2 5 1 "circle" of fourths and fifths order. You can't help but write a song - and you might even write a hit song!

Now, just what is the "circle" of fourths and fifths"? To understand more clearly, let's begin with the "oldies".

When Pythagoras discovered the "perfect" 4th and 5th intervals, he made it possible for us to locate the same letter - from any starting letter - by moving either "up" toward the bridge (higher in pitch) or "down" toward the nut (lower in pitch). For example, in the key of C major, to arrive at F (tone 4) from C tone 1 (the tonic or root) we may either "move up a perfect 4th" (5 frets) or "move down a perfect 5th" (7 frets).

Here is the C major scale illustrated as letters and tones on string 6.

Now, by applying this "up a 4th, down a 5th" principle we can arrange the 12 pitches of one octave in a "circle" like a clock . The following is the 12 pitch "circle" of 4ths and 5ths".

As we have previously learned, by selecting every other letter or tone number of the major scale, seven chords may be "spelled". Lets now illustrate the C major scale as letters, tones numbers, and seven chord triad numerals.

If we select only the seven tones, letters and chord triads of the C major scale, and place them in the "circle" of 4ths and 5ths order, we notice a "re-arrangement" of the tones: 4 7 3 6 2 5 1, the letters: F B E A D G C and the chord triads: IV viib5 iii vi ii V I.

And when we arrange these seven chord triads equal-distant around a circle, and draw lines to connect them in the circle of 4th and 5ths order - the songwriters 7 pointed star is revealed!

Of course you may play any combination of the chords you wish. However, the vast majority of songs use chord progressions that follow this 4 7 3 6 2 5 1 circle of 4ths and 5ths order.

We'll end this lesson by exploring a few of the virtually infinite number of possible chord combinations (chord progressions).

Did someone say - Guitar Fretboard Flashcards?

Until next time, have some fun writing those hits!  I'll be listening...

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