Christmas

Canon in D Chords

Johann Pachelbel Intermediate Key of D 6 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Bmtap to play

F#mtap to play

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Intermediate

Capo

None

Chords

D · A · Bm · F#m · G · Em

Canon in D Chords – Guitar

A classical composition by Johann Pachelbel, arranged for guitar. Intermediate difficulty in the key of D.

Arpeggiated Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a light fingerpicking or arpeggio pattern to mimic the interweaving melodic lines of the original canon.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Part 1

D A

Canon in D, a timeless sound

Bm F#m

Echoing through the years

G D A

Harmonies that gently swirl

D A

Melting away all fears

Theme

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

Part 2

D A

Bass line walks a steady pace

Bm F#m

Foundations strong and true

G D A

Building up a graceful space

D A

For the joy that shines through

Theme

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

/verse

bridge label="Development"

Bm F#m

Variations start to play

G D A

On the theme so bright and clear

Bm F#m

Complex yet simple lay

G D A

Filling every listening ear

/bridge

verse label="Part 3"

D A

Eight chords cycle, round and round

Bm F#m

A musical spell is cast

G D A

In its beauty, we are found

D A

Holding moments that will last

/verse

chorus label="Theme"

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

Resolution

D A

Fading softly, never ends

Bm F#m

The memory it sends

G D A

Canon in D, my faithful friend

D A D

Canon in D, my faithful friend

Practice tip: Master the core eight-chord progression (D, A, Bm, F#m, G, D, Em, A) slowly before attempting the full arrangement, focusing on clean chord changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Canon in D"?

You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: D, A, Bm, F#m, G and Em.

Is "Canon in D" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Canon in D" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Canon in D"?

It was written by Johann Pachelbel, and released in 1680.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Bmtap to play

F#mtap to play

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

D · A · Bm · F#m · G · Em

Canon in D Chords – Ukulele

A classical composition by Johann Pachelbel, arranged for guitar. Intermediate difficulty in the key of D.

Arpeggiated Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a light fingerpicking or arpeggio pattern to mimic the interweaving melodic lines of the original canon.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Part 1

D A

Canon in D, a timeless sound

Bm F#m

Echoing through the years

G D A

Harmonies that gently swirl

D A

Melting away all fears

Theme

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

Part 2

D A

Bass line walks a steady pace

Bm F#m

Foundations strong and true

G D A

Building up a graceful space

D A

For the joy that shines through

Theme

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

/verse

bridge label="Development"

Bm F#m

Variations start to play

G D A

On the theme so bright and clear

Bm F#m

Complex yet simple lay

G D A

Filling every listening ear

/bridge

verse label="Part 3"

D A

Eight chords cycle, round and round

Bm F#m

A musical spell is cast

G D A

In its beauty, we are found

D A

Holding moments that will last

/verse

chorus label="Theme"

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

Resolution

D A

Fading softly, never ends

Bm F#m

The memory it sends

G D A

Canon in D, my faithful friend

D A D

Canon in D, my faithful friend

Practice tip: Master the core eight-chord progression (D, A, Bm, F#m, G, D, Em, A) slowly before attempting the full arrangement, focusing on clean chord changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Canon in D"?

You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: D, A, Bm, F#m, G and Em.

Is "Canon in D" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Canon in D" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Canon in D"?

It was written by Johann Pachelbel, and released in 1680.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Bmtap to play

F#mtap to play

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Intermediate

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

D · A · Bm · F#m · G · Em

Canon in D Chords – Piano

A classical composition by Johann Pachelbel, arranged for guitar. Intermediate difficulty in the key of D.

Arpeggiated Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a light fingerpicking or arpeggio pattern to mimic the interweaving melodic lines of the original canon.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Part 1

D A

Canon in D, a timeless sound

Bm F#m

Echoing through the years

G D A

Harmonies that gently swirl

D A

Melting away all fears

Theme

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

Part 2

D A

Bass line walks a steady pace

Bm F#m

Foundations strong and true

G D A

Building up a graceful space

D A

For the joy that shines through

Theme

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

/verse

bridge label="Development"

Bm F#m

Variations start to play

G D A

On the theme so bright and clear

Bm F#m

Complex yet simple lay

G D A

Filling every listening ear

/bridge

verse label="Part 3"

D A

Eight chords cycle, round and round

Bm F#m

A musical spell is cast

G D A

In its beauty, we are found

D A

Holding moments that will last

/verse

chorus label="Theme"

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

Resolution

D A

Fading softly, never ends

Bm F#m

The memory it sends

G D A

Canon in D, my faithful friend

D A D

Canon in D, my faithful friend

Practice tip: Master the core eight-chord progression (D, A, Bm, F#m, G, D, Em, A) slowly before attempting the full arrangement, focusing on clean chord changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Canon in D"?

You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: D, A, Bm, F#m, G and Em.

Is "Canon in D" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Canon in D" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Canon in D"?

It was written by Johann Pachelbel, and released in 1680.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Bmtap to play

F#mtap to play

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

D · A · Bm · F#m · G · Em

Canon in D Chords – Banjo

A classical composition by Johann Pachelbel, arranged for guitar. Intermediate difficulty in the key of D.

Arpeggiated Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a light fingerpicking or arpeggio pattern to mimic the interweaving melodic lines of the original canon.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Part 1

D A

Canon in D, a timeless sound

Bm F#m

Echoing through the years

G D A

Harmonies that gently swirl

D A

Melting away all fears

Theme

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

Part 2

D A

Bass line walks a steady pace

Bm F#m

Foundations strong and true

G D A

Building up a graceful space

D A

For the joy that shines through

Theme

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

/verse

bridge label="Development"

Bm F#m

Variations start to play

G D A

On the theme so bright and clear

Bm F#m

Complex yet simple lay

G D A

Filling every listening ear

/bridge

verse label="Part 3"

D A

Eight chords cycle, round and round

Bm F#m

A musical spell is cast

G D A

In its beauty, we are found

D A

Holding moments that will last

/verse

chorus label="Theme"

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

Resolution

D A

Fading softly, never ends

Bm F#m

The memory it sends

G D A

Canon in D, my faithful friend

D A D

Canon in D, my faithful friend

Practice tip: Master the core eight-chord progression (D, A, Bm, F#m, G, D, Em, A) slowly before attempting the full arrangement, focusing on clean chord changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Canon in D"?

You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: D, A, Bm, F#m, G and Em.

Is "Canon in D" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Canon in D" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Canon in D"?

It was written by Johann Pachelbel, and released in 1680.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Bmtap to play

F#mtap to play

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

D · A · Bm · F#m · G · Em

Canon in D Chords – Mandolin

A classical composition by Johann Pachelbel, arranged for guitar. Intermediate difficulty in the key of D.

Arpeggiated Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a light fingerpicking or arpeggio pattern to mimic the interweaving melodic lines of the original canon.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Part 1

D A

Canon in D, a timeless sound

Bm F#m

Echoing through the years

G D A

Harmonies that gently swirl

D A

Melting away all fears

Theme

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

Part 2

D A

Bass line walks a steady pace

Bm F#m

Foundations strong and true

G D A

Building up a graceful space

D A

For the joy that shines through

Theme

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

/verse

bridge label="Development"

Bm F#m

Variations start to play

G D A

On the theme so bright and clear

Bm F#m

Complex yet simple lay

G D A

Filling every listening ear

/bridge

verse label="Part 3"

D A

Eight chords cycle, round and round

Bm F#m

A musical spell is cast

G D A

In its beauty, we are found

D A

Holding moments that will last

/verse

chorus label="Theme"

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

Resolution

D A

Fading softly, never ends

Bm F#m

The memory it sends

G D A

Canon in D, my faithful friend

D A D

Canon in D, my faithful friend

Practice tip: Master the core eight-chord progression (D, A, Bm, F#m, G, D, Em, A) slowly before attempting the full arrangement, focusing on clean chord changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Canon in D"?

You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: D, A, Bm, F#m, G and Em.

Is "Canon in D" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Canon in D" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Canon in D"?

It was written by Johann Pachelbel, and released in 1680.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Bmtap to play

F#mtap to play

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Intermediate

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

D · A · Bm · F#m · G · Em

Canon in D Chords – Harmonica

A classical composition by Johann Pachelbel, arranged for guitar. Intermediate difficulty in the key of D.

Arpeggiated Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a light fingerpicking or arpeggio pattern to mimic the interweaving melodic lines of the original canon.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Part 1

D A

Canon in D, a timeless sound

Bm F#m

Echoing through the years

G D A

Harmonies that gently swirl

D A

Melting away all fears

Theme

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

Part 2

D A

Bass line walks a steady pace

Bm F#m

Foundations strong and true

G D A

Building up a graceful space

D A

For the joy that shines through

Theme

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

/verse

bridge label="Development"

Bm F#m

Variations start to play

G D A

On the theme so bright and clear

Bm F#m

Complex yet simple lay

G D A

Filling every listening ear

/bridge

verse label="Part 3"

D A

Eight chords cycle, round and round

Bm F#m

A musical spell is cast

G D A

In its beauty, we are found

D A

Holding moments that will last

/verse

chorus label="Theme"

G D

Strings that sing a song so pure

A Bm

A melody that will endure

G D A

Lifting hearts with every note

D A

In this canon, we all float

Resolution

D A

Fading softly, never ends

Bm F#m

The memory it sends

G D A

Canon in D, my faithful friend

D A D

Canon in D, my faithful friend

Practice tip: Master the core eight-chord progression (D, A, Bm, F#m, G, D, Em, A) slowly before attempting the full arrangement, focusing on clean chord changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Canon in D"?

You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: D, A, Bm, F#m, G and Em.

Is "Canon in D" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Canon in D" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Canon in D"?

It was written by Johann Pachelbel, and released in 1680.