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

Canon Progression Chord Progression in D major

In D major the Canon Progression progression is D – A – Bm – F#m – G – D – G – A.

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	D	`xx0232`
V	A	`x02220`
vi	Bm	`x20402`
iii	F#m	`xx4222`
IV	G	`32000x`

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 D major

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

Canon Progression in other keys

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

Other progressions in D 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 D major?

D – A – Bm – F#m – G – D – G – A.

What notes are in D major?

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

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

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

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