Re: More questions on scales

Dylan wrote:

> FCGDAEB
> 
> I don't really understand this, or the significance of the circle of
> fifths, can you please explain it with reference...

You can look at places like
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circle_of_fifths
The link you gave really makes it complicated.

Originally in history, one iterates the intervals: the octave 2 and the 
perfect fifth 3/2. This leads to the Pythagorean tuning of the notes F C 
G D A B
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagorean_tuning
In this model, the fifths do not produce a circle.

Later in history one wanted a different sound of some chords, 
experimenting with the major second 5/4 in Just Intonation
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_intonation
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/31_equal_temperament

Eventually, on keyboards and description, though not necessarily in all 
playing to a Pythagorean tuning approximation 12-ET
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_equal_temperament
In this tuning, raising six 5ths and transposing in octaves produces the 
same as lowering six fifths and transposing in octaves - difference is 
"tempered out" in this tuning. So this is then produces the above 
mentioned "circle of fifths". Replacing say F# with Gb is called 
enharmonic equivalence, a feature only valid in 12-ET.

The key signatures then writes out the pitches used in the order they 
appear in the order of the fifths.

   Hans Aberg