cycle of fifths

English

Alternative forms

• circle of fifths

Noun

cycle of fifths (plural cycles of fifths)

1. (music theory) A sequence of bass notes at intervals of one perfect fifth lower than the previous note. In twelve-tone equal temperament the sequence repeats every twelve tones, forming a cycle.

   The composition modulates upwards through the cycle of fifths, eventually returning to the original key.

Translations

music theory: sequence of bass notes

• Czech: kvintový kruh m
• Danish: kvintcirkel c
• Dutch: kwintencirkel m
• Faroese: kvintsirkul m
• Finnish: kvinttiympyrä (fi)
• French: cycle des quintes (fr) m
• German: Quintenzirkel (de) m
• Icelandic: fimmundahringurinn m
• Polish: koło kwintowe n
• Russian: кви́нтовый круг (ru) m (kvíntovyj krug)