Key Compass
Spin around the circle of fifths to land on each named key, picking up its accidentals in order without overshooting.
How to play
A target key is named with its key signature. Steer the compass clockwise (toward sharps) or counter-clockwise (toward flats) around the circle of fifths to reach it, collecting accidentals along the way. Land cleanly on each key in the round; overshoots count against your score.
- Each clockwise step adds a sharp, each counter-clockwise step adds a flat
- Reach every target key in the round to finish
- Fewer overshoots and faster navigation score higher
Controls
- Desktop: click the Sharp (CW) and Flat (CCW) buttons, or press the Right and Left arrow keys
- Phone & tablet: tap the two steer buttons
Game modes
- Daily: a shared route seeded from today's date
- Practice: fresh randomized routes
Tips & strategy
- Read the step counter — it tells you the shorter direction to the target around the wheel
- Recall the order of sharps and flats so each new key's signature confirms you're heading the right way
What you'll learn
Key Compass turns the circle of fifths into a navigation puzzle for learning key signatures.
- Skills: the circle of fifths, key signatures, music theory
- Best for: roughly grades 6–12 (ages 11+)
- For parents & teachers: key signatures via the circle of fifths.
About Key Compass
Key Compass turns the circle of fifths into a navigation puzzle for learning key signatures. It is an original, free browser game built in-house for PlayPendium.
A free, original browser game on PlayPendium — no download, no install. Browse all games →
