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Easy piano · 10 keys

Pachelbel · Canon in D easy piano by numbers

Pachelbel, Canon in D (c. 1680) · 17 s · 25 notes · public domain

Canon in D is easy to play on the piano with numbers. One hand, 10 keys, about 17 seconds: press the numbers in order, as they light up, and the lesson waits for you. Free, no account needed.

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The interactive lesson needs JavaScript. Meanwhile, here is the whole song in numbers.

Pachelbel · Canon in D piano notes: E D C B A G A B · C B A G F E F D · C E G F E C E D …

The number sheet

The whole song, in numbers. Print it, or put it on your piano.

10E·9D·8C·7B·6A·5G·6A·7B·
8C·7B·6A·5G·4F·3E·4F·2D·
1C·3E·5G·4F·3E·1C·3E·2D·
1C·

How to play Pachelbel · Canon in D on the piano

The violins' line of Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D (around 1680), the tune of so many weddings: its long notes, then its first run of quick notes. Here in C major, on white keys only.

This easy version uses 10 keys (all white keys) and the right hand only: 25 notes, about 17 seconds at 71 BPM in 4/4 time. It has no words.

Original key: D major · this easy version: C major.

  1. Find key 1: C4 (middle C). The other numbers go up from there, one white key each.
  2. Press ▶ Listen to hear the song while the numbers light up.
  3. Press 🎹 Play it and play the numbers in order; an arrow shows the next key, and the lesson waits for you.
  4. Want the rhythm too? Press 🌧 Falling notes: each note falls onto its key, and its length shows how long to hold it (how falling notes work).
  5. Finish the song for up to three stars — fewer mistakes, more stars.

The keys

NumberNoteKeyWhere
1CC4middle C
2DD4above middle C
3EE4above middle C
4FF4above middle C
5GG4above middle C
6AA4above middle C
7BB4above middle C
8CC5above middle C
9DD5above middle C
10EE5above middle C

Pachelbel · Canon in D in letter notes

Show the whole song in letter notes, line by line

E D C B A G A B

C B A G F E F D

C E G F E C E D

C

Questions

How do you play Pachelbel · Canon in D on the piano, the easy way?

With one hand and 10 keys: put a finger on key 1, C4, and number the keys the song uses from there. Then press the numbers in order: 10 9 8 7 6 5 6 7 (in letter notes: E D C B A G A B). The whole song lasts about 17 seconds; the lesson on this page shows the next key and waits for you.

How many keys do I need for Pachelbel · Canon in D?

10 keys, all white keys, played with the right hand: 1 = C, 2 = D, 3 = E, 4 = F, 5 = G, 6 = A, 7 = B, 8 = C, 9 = D, 10 = E.

What key is Pachelbel's Canon in?

Pachelbel's Canon is in D major. This easy version is moved to C major, so that it stays on the white keys (or almost): the tune is the same, only the starting note changes.

What are the first notes of Pachelbel · Canon in D?

In numbers: 10 9 8 7 6 5 6 7. In letter notes: E D C B A G A B.

Is Pachelbel · Canon in D free to play and share?

Yes. Pachelbel · Canon in D is in the public domain (Pachelbel, Canon in D (c. 1680)). This easy arrangement, its number sheet and its MIDI file are free to use and share for learning.

Can I play it without a piano?

Yes: tap the keys on the page on a phone or tablet, or press the numbers 1–10 (0 for 10) and the letters shown on the keys on a computer keyboard. The lesson waits for the right key and shows the next one.

How long does it take to learn?

The whole song lasts 17 seconds at 71 beats a minute. Most beginners play it through within a few tries; lower the speed with the slider to go slower.

If you like Canon in D, try

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Beethoven, Bagatelle No. 25 WoO 59 (1810)

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Can-Can

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Mozart · Symphony No. 40

Mozart, Symphony No. 40 K.550 (1788)

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Mozart · Sonata Facile

Mozart, Piano Sonata No. 16 K.545 (1788)

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