The Circle of Fifths

There is a fifth interval between each of the following notes:
C, G, D, A, E, B, F#(Gb), Db, Ab, Eb, Bb, F, C

This string of notes can be thought of as a circle.

Each note represents a Major Scale.

In ascending order from C to F#, the number of Sharps in each scale is incremented by 1, with C Major having 0 sharps and F# Major having 6.

When F# is reached to continue in order you must understand that F# Major is the same scale as Gb Major, and going forward you count the number of flats in each scale.

In ascending order from Gb to C, the number of Flats in each scale is decremented by 1, with Gb Major having 6 flats and C Major having 0.

To identify the specific accidentals (sharps or flats) for each scale there are two methods.

First method:

Starting at C and ascending to F#, the note to become sharp in each scale is going to be the seventh degree of that scale. For example G Major has one sharp which is it's seventh degree, F#. And these accidentals are kept as you ascend. For example A Major has 3 sharps, G#, C#, F#, with G# being the seventh degree of A Major.

Once the scale of F# Major is reached you must stop and begin at the final C and descend.

Starting at C and descending to Gb, the note to become flat in each scale is going to be the fourth degree of that scale. For example F Major has one flat which is it's fourth degree, Bb. And these accidentals are kept as you descend. For example Eb Major has 3 flats, Ab, Eb, Bb, with Ab being the fourth degree of Eb Major.

Second Method:

Starting at C and ascending to F#, the note to become sharp in each scale is going to be the fourth degree of the previous scale. For example G Major has one sharp, F#, with F being the fourth degree of C Major. And these accidentals are kept as you ascend. For example A Major has 3 sharps, G#, C#, F#, with G being the fourth degree of D Major.

Once the scale of F# Major is reached you must stop and begin at the final C and descend.

Starting at C and descending to Gb, the note to become flat in each scale is going to be the seventh degree of the previous scale. For example F Major has one flat, Bb, with B being the seventh degree of C Major. And these accidentals are kept as you descend. For example Eb Major has 3 flats, Ab, Eb, Bb, with A being the seventh degree of Bb Major.

FML