The piano notes for Pachelbel's Canon
Phrase by phrase, as shown beneath each note in the sheet music:
- F♯ E D C♯ B A B C♯
- D C♯ B A G F♯ G E D
How to Play It
- The melody uses half notes, so each note lasts two beats. Start with your hand over F♯ and descend with fingers 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1: F♯, E, D, C♯, and B.
- After B, move your hand so your thumb lands on A, then play A, B, and C♯ with fingers 1, 2, and 3. This completes the first phrase.
- The second phrase descends again. Play D, C♯, B, A, and G with fingers 5 through 1. Then move your hand lower and finish with F♯, G, E, and D using fingers 3, 4, 2, and 1.
- There are only two black keys in the whole piece, F♯ and C♯. Find them before you start.
- Start with the metronome at 60 quarter notes per minute. The beauty of the canon lies in its steady pulse, so don't rush.
The left hand
The chords always follow the same eight-chord progression: D major (D), A major (A), B minor (Bm), F♯ minor (F#m), G major (G), D, G, and A. Change chords as indicated above the score while your right hand plays the melody. Practice the chord sequence on its own first, until the changes feel automatic.
Chords in this score: D, A, Bm, F#m, G.
About the Piece
Johann Pachelbel wrote it for three violins and basso continuo. The exact date is unknown, but it is estimated to be between 1680 and 1706. It is in the public domain. This version has the descending right-hand melody in D major, with note names underneath and left-hand chords above.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes for Pachelbel's Canon on piano?
In this D major version, the melody is: F♯ E D C♯ B A B C♯, followed by D C♯ B A G F♯ G E D.
Is Pachelbel's Canon easy to play on piano?
The right-hand melody is easy because it uses half notes and descends stepwise. The left-hand chord changes are what make this a level 2 piece.
What key is Pachelbel's Canon in?
In D major, with two sharps (F♯ and C♯). The chord progression is D, A, B minor, F♯ minor, G, D, G, and A.