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

Canon Progression Chord Progression in E major

In E major the Canon Progression progression is E – B – C#m – G#m – A – E – A – B.

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	E	`022100`
V	B	`x21402`
vi	C#m	`x42120`
iii	G#m	`42110x`
IV	A	`x02220`

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 E major

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

Canon Progression in other keys

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

Other progressions in E 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 E major?

E – B – C#m – G#m – A – E – A – B.

What notes are in E major?

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

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

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

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