In the circle of fifths, where are the sharp keys typically located?

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In the circle of fifths, sharp keys are located on the right side of the circle. This arrangement is rooted in the concept of moving through intervals of a perfect fifth. Starting from C major, which has no sharps or flats, each successive key to the right adds a sharp. For instance, G major has one sharp, D major has two sharps, and so on. This progression reflects the natural relationships between keys and helps musicians understand key signatures and their relationships with each other.

The position of the sharp keys on the right side emphasizes the tonal movement and the building of sharps as the keys ascend in pitch. This also provides a clear visualization for musicians when they are considering modulations or transpositions, as it allows for an easy reference to how keys relate to one another energetically and harmonically.

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