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Classics

Canon in D

G · D · Em · Bm

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G
I
D
V
Em
vi
Bm
iii
Key
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Canon in D in G major

Canon in D is I · V · vi · iii. In G major that is G, D, Em, Bm. From Pachelbel's Canon. Elegant and timeless. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • Pachelbel's Canon · Johann Pachelbel
  • Basket Case · Green Day
  • Go Your Own Way · Fleetwood Mac

Why it works

In G major this loop is G, D, Em, Bm (I · V · vi · iii). I is the home chord. V pulls away from home and wants to resolve. vi adds a minor color. Play the chords in order and the pattern is easy to hear on ukulele.

Chords in G major

Jump to each shape used in this loop.

GDEmBm

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

C major → C · G · Am · EmD major → D · A · Bm · F#mE major → E · B · C#m · G#mF major → F · C · Dm · AmG major → G · D · Em · BmA major → A · E · F#m · C#mB major → B · F# · G#m · D#m

Related progressions

Happy Days - 50sMotownSoul BalladAndalusian CadenceAndalusian Cadence (Major)

Frequently asked questions

What is the Canon in D ukulele chord progression?

Canon in D is the I–V–vi–iii chord loop. In G major that is G, D, Em, and Bm. From Pachelbel's Canon. Elegant and timeless.

What do the roman numerals mean in Canon in D?

Roman numerals mark each chord's role in the key, not fixed chord names. Uppercase is major, lowercase is minor. Canon in D uses I–V–vi–iii. Change the key and the roles stay; the chord names move with it. In G major you play G, D, Em, Bm.

How do you practice Canon in D on ukulele?

Loop G, D, Em, and Bm. Change on the first beat of each bar and keep the strum steady. If one change is hard, practice that pair slowly, then play the full loop again.

What songs use the Canon in D progression?

Songs built on Canon in D include Pachelbel's Canon, Basket Case, and Go Your Own Way.

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