Guitar Circle of Fifths




Decode Music Theory
With Decoder: Circle of Fifths, focus on one key at a time without information overload. It shows you the key signatures for each key by visually highlighting which notes are flat or sharp AND shows you where they appear in each key's major scale.

Transpose key with a turn of the wheel
Change key effortlessly and transpose instantly with a turn of the Decoder’s wheel. The clear graphics visually separate major, minor and diminished chords for easy differentiation at a glance.

Expose Chord Progressions
Take a look at the Quick Chords, reminders under every window to build triads for each chord without having to turn the wheel. This way, you can see how chords are built up from the notes. Plus, check out the selection of 12 common chord progressions on the back!

Compose Songs
- Keys, chords, notes, and scales organised and visualised.
- Songwriting shortcuts to bring your songs to life
- Recognise commonly used chord progressions
- Find beautiful chords out of the main key.
Decoder Learning Aids






































Frequently Asked Questions
Wipe with a damp cloth. The Decoder is made of durable polypropylene (for the yellow version), designed to withstand regular handling. With normal use and care (wiping clean, avoiding extreme environments), it should last a long time.
Materials: Polypropylene, plastic press studs.
Dimensions: 146mm x 146mm x 4mm (W x L x D)
Weight: Decoder 45g (0.1lbs) , Book 150g (0.33lbs)
The Circle of Fifths arranges the 12 major keys found in western music, in a circle. Each key is separated by an interval of a 5th - hence the Circle of Fifths! Learn more about the circle of fifths here.
Decoder: Guitar Circle of Fifths comes with an 88 page booklet packed with illustrations, examples and handy tips to get you playing more.
Yes, Decoder: Circle of Fifths and its accompanying reading companion are designed to help musicians of all abilities. As you learn, you can progress through the book and find new ways to apply the circle of fifths to your playing.
The Yellow Decoder has an optional built in stand. It snaps in place in the back or can be snapped out of the way.
The Yellow Decoder is made of plastic. The Green Decoder Essential is made of cardboard.
Additionally, the Yellow Decoder displays Secondary Subdominant and Secondary Dominant. They appear in the frosted windows.
On our Decoder: Circle of Fifths, we shortcut songwriting by showing 12 common chord progressions that sound good together on the back. Use the wheel to find compatible keys, chords, and modulations. Turn to your key, then explore which chords fall naturally within it and how to move between keys. The booklet includes songwriting shortcuts and examples to help you apply it right away.
Yes — while the Decoder is built around traditional diatonic key relationships (circle of fifths), it still helps you see which chords and scales relate. For modal or chromatic contexts, treat the wheel as a roadmap and adapt with accidentals or borrowed chords.
It works for both — the Decoder deals with theoretical relationships (keys, chords, scales). It is independent of guitar type; you’ll apply what you learn to your fretboard regardless of your instrument.
Absolutely — one of its built-in features is key transposition. Shift the wheel to your song’s original key, then rotate to your desired new key and see the corresponding chords & notes.
The booklet contains examples, diagrams, and illustrations to help you visualize the concepts on the fretboard, but it is not a full tab book. It’s more focused on theory, chord building, and application than full song transcriptions.
Yes — many teachers use the Decoder as a visual, hands-on teaching aid. You can use multiple copies for students, project the diagrams, or use it during theory lessons or workshops.
Our Decoder: Circle of Fifths clearly labels all keys. The wheel shows both major and relative minor relationships. You can also use it to explore chord progressions in minor keys (and their modulations).
Yes, we offer the Teacher's Dozen. If you are seeking more please contact us!
Yes — the Decoder works well alongside our Chord Compass, Scale Compass, and cheat sheets. They complement one another and deepen your understanding of theory on guitar.
We offer a digital version on our website. Give it a spin. More free learning resources can be found at play.noisyclan.com.


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