Scale circle – a useful concept

[charjo]

I came across this interesting idea today, somewhat related to the concept of the Circle of 5ths, called the Scale Circle.
The idea is to write the notes of your key in a circle highlighting the root. You can create a larger separation for the whole tones spaces and smaller spaces for the half tones. Now you can find the triad from the “every other idea”, ie. moving in 3rds. You can easily find the notes of the chords of the key and identify the chord type, major or minor etc., by the spacing. You can also visually identify the notes in extended chords like 7ths and 9ths. I think this is a very useful adjunct to the visual identification of chord shapes for voicings and leads.
I’ve attached a scale circle for the key of D major.
John

[sunjamr]

I’m surprised they don’t have an app that lets you enter the root note, then generates the circle in full color like the image you show. You could include add-ons to show maj7, 6th, 11th, etc chords.

Sunjamr Steve

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