Below is the lesson for “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel

Helpful Tips

This arrangement of “Canon” cycles through the form 8 times, giving us 8 variations on the classic song. Think of it this way: The song is 5 chords, played over 4 bars. These 4 bars are repeated 8 times, but played differently each time, thus creating 8 themes.

I have labeled each of these themes as Melodies 1-8. As we play through the melodies, the song develops by building momentum and adding new melodies into the mix. The first 6 melodies use eighth note rhythms throughout, while the last 2 melodies introduce sixteenth note runs. Some of the melodies are very simple, while others require a bit more work. On the harder melodies, break it down into 1 bar sections at a time. Work it up slowly, before trying to play all 4 bars (per melody). Have fun and play it a wedding!

* Note: This arrangement is in C major, as this key is more uke-friendly.