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
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
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
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
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
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)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a light fingerpicking or arpeggio pattern to mimic the interweaving melodic lines of the original canon.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Part 1
D – A
Bm – F#m
G – D – A
D – A
Theme
G – D
A – Bm
G – D – A
D – A
Part 2
D – A
Bm – F#m
G – D – A
D – A
Theme
G – D
A – Bm
G – D – A
D – A
Bm – F#m
G – D – A
Bm – F#m
G – D – A
D – A
Bm – F#m
G – D – A
D – A
G – D
A – Bm
G – D – A
D – A
Resolution
D – A
Bm – F#m
G – D – A
D – A – D
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.