What is the Camelot Wheel?
The Camelot Wheel is a color-coded circular diagram that arranges all 24 musical keys by their harmonic compatibility. Created by Mixed In Key, it simplifies the Circle of Fifths into an easy-to-use system for DJs.
Each key is assigned a Camelot code consisting of a number (1-12) and a letter (A or B). Minor keys are labeled with "A" and major keys with "B". Keys that are adjacent on the wheel (same number, or +/- 1) mix harmonically well together.
Complete Camelot Key Chart
| Camelot | Musical Key | Type | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1A | A♭ Minor | Minor | 1B |
| 1B | B Major | Major | 1A |
| 2A | E♭ Minor | Minor | 2B |
| 2B | F♯ Major | Major | 2A |
| 3A | B♭ Minor | Minor | 3B |
| 3B | D♭ Major | Major | 3A |
| 4A | F Minor | Minor | 4B |
| 4B | A♭ Major | Major | 4A |
| 5A | C Minor | Minor | 5B |
| 5B | E♭ Major | Major | 5A |
| 6A | G Minor | Minor | 6B |
| 6B | B♭ Major | Major | 6A |
| 7A | D Minor | Minor | 7B |
| 7B | F Major | Major | 7A |
| 8A | A Minor | Minor | 8B |
| 8B | C Major | Major | 8A |
| 9A | E Minor | Minor | 9B |
| 9B | G Major | Major | 9A |
| 10A | B Minor | Minor | 10B |
| 10B | D Major | Major | 10A |
| 11A | F♯ Minor | Minor | 11B |
| 11B | A Major | Major | 11A |
| 12A | D♭ Minor | Minor | 12B |
| 12B | E Major | Major | 12A |
How to Use the Camelot Wheel for Mixing
Same Key (Perfect Match)
Mixing two songs in the same Camelot code always works perfectly.
8B → 8B
Adjacent Numbers (+/- 1)
Move up or down one number for smooth harmonic transitions.
8B → 9B or 8B → 7B
Relative Major/Minor (A↔B)
Switch between A and B with the same number for mood changes.
8A → 8B
Energy Boost (+7)
Jump up 7 positions for a dramatic, uplifting key change.
5A → 12A
Camelot Mixing Rules
Safe Moves:
- Same code: 8B to 8B - Always works perfectly
- +1: 8B to 9B - Move clockwise, slight energy increase
- -1: 8B to 7B - Move counter-clockwise, slight energy decrease
- A↔B: 8A to 8B - Switch between minor and major mood
Advanced Moves:
- +2: 8B to 10B - Works but more noticeable key change
- +7: 8B to 3B - Dramatic energy boost (up a 5th)
- -5: 8B to 3B - Energy drop (down a 4th)
Avoid:
- +6 or -6: Tritone relationship - sounds dissonant
- Random jumps: Anything not mentioned above will likely clash
Camelot Wheel FAQ
What is the Camelot Wheel?
The Camelot Wheel is a circular diagram that arranges all 24 musical keys by harmonic compatibility. It uses a numbering system (1-12) with letters (A for minor, B for major) to make harmonic mixing easy for DJs.
How is the Camelot Wheel different from the Circle of Fifths?
The Camelot Wheel is based on the Circle of Fifths but simplified for DJs. Instead of musical key names, it uses number-letter codes (8B instead of C Major) that are easier to work with when quickly selecting songs.
What's the difference between Camelot A and B?
"A" represents minor keys (darker, sadder sound) and "B" represents major keys (brighter, happier sound). The same number with different letters are relative major/minor pairs - they share the same notes and mix perfectly together.
Do I need special software to use the Camelot Wheel?
No! You can use our free Key Finder to detect the key of any song, then use the Camelot chart above to find the code. Many DJ software programs (Serato, Rekordbox, Traktor) also display Camelot codes automatically.