There's a lot of things I can't be bothered trying to memorize, because I just haven't needed to use the info enough, or on a regular basis.  Not playing a chording instrument has probably slowed me down, but since I've been cramming a lot of learning into a relatively short period of time, I don't mind resorting to charts - 3D is even better! 

I haven't made it over to Dmitri's playground, yet - but he HAS influenced my thinking.  Instead, I've been looking at my favorite modal circle of 5ths chart to see if I can't get better use of it, or change it to fit my needs better. 

I LOVE that this chart helps me identify what key a tune is in, shows me relative scales & parallel scales (and their accidentals) - BUT, it doesn't help me enough when it comes to the quality & function of chords, for chord progressions! 

So, I need to add another 'slice to the pie' - to show Scale Degree Chord Function (supertonic, mediant, submediant, etc...) & Quality (Major, Minor, Diminished, Dominant, Half Diminished).  AND, reorganize each key to show order of scale degree 1-7. 

Now there ARE other circle of 5ths charts which some of you may like to use... especially if you have MUCH more info memorized about modes & chords than I do!  Mike George's YT Channel has GREAT videos on using the Circle of 5ths with Modes & Chords: Circle of Fifths Video Playlist.  There is still too much jumping around in any of these for my liking. 

So, 1.) I'd keep the circle in fifths, the neighboring keys are important.  2.) I'd put all the relative scales within each of the 12 key 'pie slices' in scale degree order.  3.) I'd add a slice with the corresponding Functions & Quality.  4.) I'd use 12, more distinct, colors.  5.) I'd shape it like a DONUT! 🤔... a PIE DONUT!  (my diet is killin' me 🤭)

RIGHT NOW... I'm wishing I'd taken some courses in CAD Software or 3D computer illustration!!! 

Jeez, I don't have the time to learn that, so guess I'll be doing this the old fashion way - drawing on paper (I'm feeling soooo pathetically inept 🥴).  🤔... wow, sewing a patchwork quilted donut & embroidering the info on it, would be cool - maybe a gift for the kids some day! 

So why am I even thinking like this? 

It's NOT going to help me during playing (not yet, anyway), but it will help me lay out things to practice.  I'd like to get where it feels as easy to navigate as the fingerboard, for composing! 

1.) It helps if I can 'see' all the relationships.

2.) It will be easier to see the note order of Scales/Modes (with the accidentals), Triad Chords, Seven Chords, & even Extended Chords that can be used, without memorizing. 

3.) Easily spot not only the Tonic chords, but Mediant & Submediant Chords for use in modulation between parallel scales.

4.) I think it will also help me see where I can create different Chord Progressions, maybe with chord substitutions I wouldn't normally think of.  

5.) The 'donut' shape kinda comes from Dmitri's spiral model.  If you can picture the notes of scale strung along a string - that string can wrap around a section of the donut! 

...wasn't expecting to start another project!