C major · I – V – vi – iii – IV – I – IV – V

Canon Progression Chord Progression in C major

In C major the Canon Progression progression is C – G – Am – Em – F – C – F – G.

The progression from Pachelbel's Canon, a bass line that descends step by step and has been reused in hundreds of pop songs. Pachelbel's Canon is the original.

The chords

Numeral	Chord	Easiest shape
I	C	`x32010`
V	G	`32000x`
vi	Am	`x02210`
iii	Em	`022000`
IV	F	`10321x`

How to practise

Play one chord per bar and focus on smooth, even strumming. This is a great exercise for steady timing.

Play one chord per bar at 60 BPM with a simple down-strum on each beat.
Raise the tempo by 5 BPM once you can play eight rounds without a mistake.
Change the strumming pattern: down, down-up, up-down-up.

Key facts about C major

C major contains the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B. See the full C Major scale with fretboard diagrams, and use it to solo over the progression.

Canon Progression in other keys

Db major D major Eb major E major F major F# major G major Ab major A major Bb major B major

Other progressions in C major

I-V-vi-IV I-IV-V 12-Bar Blues I-vi-IV-V (50s progression)vi-IV-I-V ii-V-I

FAQ

What are the chords of Canon Progression in C major?

C – G – Am – Em – F – C – F – G.

What notes are in C major?

C major contains C, D, E, F, G, A, B.

Which scale can I solo with over Canon Progression in C major?

The C major scale fits, and the major pentatonic scale from C is the easiest choice.

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