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How to Play Canon in D on Piano
Pachelbel's Canon is built on one of the most famous chord progressions ever written — the same pattern behind dozens of pop songs. This simplified version pairs each melody note with its bass note, so you learn harmony and melody together.
Use Auto-Play to hear how the hands fit, then Practice Mode to build the coordination slowly.
🎼 Key: D major
📊 Level: medium
🎵 32 notes
💡 Tip: start at 50% speed in Practice Mode
🎹 Canon in D — Notes to Play (in order)
D5 + D3 – C#5 + A2 – B4 + B2 – A4 + F#2 – G4 + G2 – F#4 + D3 – G4 + G2 – A4 + A2 – D5 + D3 – C#5 + A2 – B4 + B2 – A4 + F#2 – G4 + G2 – F#4 + D3 – G4 + G2 – A4 + A2
Notes marked with + play at the same time (two hands). Open the piano above, switch to Practice Mode, and follow the green highlights.
✅ 4 Tips to Learn It Faster
- Learn the left-hand bass line (D – A – B – F# – G – D – G – A) on its own first.
- Play hands together only after each hand is smooth separately.
- Bass notes are long — hold each one for its full value while the right hand moves.
- Keep the tempo steady; this piece is about flow, not speed.