21 Songs that use Pachelbel's Canon chord progression 

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From this video I assume that both The Beatles and Radiohead have never had a song using Pachelbel's Canon chord progression.

Never would I thought I'd see Rick Astley and the Soviet national anthem in the same video

Cool, now I will never unhear Pachelbel's Canon in the Russian anthem.

In the Renaissance and Baroque periods, there were many pieces that were essentially increasingly complex variations on a tune played over a "ground" bass line, usually a four bar chord progression. Many of these progressions became famous and had names (Romanesca being one). Yes, they are repetitive, but they provided a formal structure over which the composer (or performer) could display their talents and were very popular.

Maroon 5 not only following chord progression, but also using Pachelbel melody

10:07 David manages to rickroll us while staying in theme. Sweet.

never would've guessed that the USSR anthem had the same chords as Pachelbel's Canon, great video

This progression is much older than Pachelbel‘s canon. It is mentioned in a treatise from 1480 „De praeceptis artis musicae“ by Guilielmus Monachus. It is discribed as a parallel motion of thirds (basically the beginning of Pachelbel‘s canon) with added base notes to complete the chords. It was always a beloved progression for improvisation. As said the traditionel name is Romanesca. It exsits a minor version of that progression which is called la Folia, e.g. the famous Sarabande by Händel. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xOLQd_pUbxs.html

i love the fact that "laddies and gentlemen" uses not only the pachelbel's canon chord progression, but they managed to sing "can't help falling in love" from Elvis Presley too. Thats works so nice to me

These chord progression videos are pure gold. Adding all of these to a playlist for messing around later. Your channel is an incredible help - Thanks

The transition from Russian Anthem to Go West is so satisfying and somehow predictable haha

I love how Hook by Blues Traveler is literally about how this chord progression is overused, “if I’m feeling stuck, and need a buck, I don’t rely on luck because the hook brings you back.” And then it became their most popular song

Much love for The Scatman! He's still out there, livin' it up in Scatland.

For those who want to look further, this chord progression is called the Romanesca, here in its older form which has a bassline that goes down a fifth then up a second, and also exists with a stepwise descending bassline, or a mix of the two, the "Galant" Romanesca.

3:21 "Hook" by Blues Traveler is my favorite use of this progression, since it's used specifically in service of the song's message. Lyrically, the song itself is a satirical critique on the state of pop radio at the time - in particular, how many songs were either overly formulaic, undervalued meaningful or even coherent lyrical content, or were blatantly made just for a paycheck. They use Pachelbel's Canon as the base progression because, by 1994, it was so frequently used in popular music that it was reputed in songwriting circles as cliché, a fallback for those who treated easy-listening pop music as a business.

OMG.... my tears are running after I watched your video ! I've listening to the Pachelbel's Canon since I was, 15,16 yo, now I am 64, and this description really warms up my heart. I will just add, as a humble contribution, that there are two songs that are really inspired on the Canon : "Le temps de vivre" by French Singer Georges Moustaki, and "Find a way to my heart" by Phil Collins. David..THANK's for this AWESOME VIDEO....

There's a reason it's so popular, it's one of the greatest chord progressions ever

Hi David, I just wanted to thank you for the past near-three years of content on this channel. I really got into your content during the middle of 2020 and you amongst many other RU-vidrs who dissect songs through production and music theory. It has not only helped me learn and compose music a lot faster than usual, but gave a whole new level of appreciation for songs I’ve heard a hundreds times over. Not to mention your mentioning of Hook Theory really accelerated things for me in terms of understanding and composing modal structures. After acquiring the knowledge and practicing in this past year or two, I think I’m on the cusp of making my own demos soon and plan to go all the way by going into the studio with them. That being said, I’ve always dreamt about doing this ever since I was 12 so I once again want to thank you (amongst others) for basically changing my life and fulfilling a dream come true. Keep it up. -Bryton

My favorite use of it is in Komm Susser Todd from the anime movie End of Evangelion. Love how it uses the imo very euphorically joyous and weddingly chord progression and over it incredibly depressing and nihilistic lyrics.

Classic music has so much to teach to everybody, especially to those who dislike it.

I laughed out loud when the Soviet Anthem came up. I didn't expect that!

Pachabel rant comedy bit by Rob Paravonian introduced me to the cello hell that is Pachabel canon in D 15 years ago and I've been hearing it everywhere ever since.

Mind blown because I finally have an explanation for why, as a non-music-theorist, sometimes I whistle one of my favourite pop or rock songs, I find myself transitioning to Pachelbel's Cannon without realising.

The most beautiful chord progression I’ve ever heard.

Also the movement of the couples of chords separated by a fifth is by thirds down the major scale (D, Bm, G), which is a very satisfying movement and allows to repeat the same melody on top without making really strage chords

5:11 Damn Basket Case using a variation of the Pachelbel Canon chords, that's pretty fun and interessing to see all those songs using those chords !

Hello David. I played this on violin decades ago (I am very old). What I found interesting is how it relates to the elements of the circle of 5ths. D to A, then the relative minor of both; Bm to F#m, then G to D, then resolving back with G to A to start the 8 bars again. Really have been enjoying your discussions of music theory and how it is applied in western (and sometimes eastern) music from different eras. Really good content. Thank you.

4:42 _our_ chord progression

Somewhat Green Day Basket Case is one that uses this which I'm glad you featured with the slight variation (i was trying to figure out this chord progression on piano and it sounded like Canon in D) 5:11

This first four bars of this progression is called the Romanesca in some 18th century theory texts. It come in two distinct forms - leaping bass and stepwise bass. In the latter form it’s known as the Gallant Romanesca by modern classical theorists and this is the form preferred by Oasis. I don’t think these theorists are familiar with the theoretical writings of Pete Waterman haha (who is tbf a massive classical music nerd.) All the Young Dudes by Mott the Hoople is my favourite example. Very clever use. I also like Mamma Mia.

I always think of Canon like a Blues or Boogie Woogie song. The left constantly repeating while the right is free to improvise over it.

National Anthem of the USSR transitioning into Go West was hilarious

youre the godfather of my musical knowledge.

thank you for not rickrolling us! amazing content as always.

These chord progression videos have been some of the most helpful material for developing an ear I've ever come across. You could package these and sell them in a course.

Wow, I knew plenty of these examples individually, but I had no idea collectively there were quite so many of them! It must be by some distance the single most influential piece of classical music on modern popular music.

Ever since I was a little kid this chord progression just felt so special and it always stayed with me. Learning that it's in so many nostalgic songs for me like Aerosmith's 'Cryin'' ...it makes sense why it keeps hitting so hard! I love your analysis videos so much.

I note you said at 9:14 that it is unusual for a classical piece of music to be repeated over and over again, like Pachelbel. I note that Handel's Passacaglia in G minor also repeats a theme over and over again, and several popular pieces of music (I will survive, Autumn Leaves, Fly Me to the Moon and so forth) also have this progression, which I call the Heptagon, also called Circle of Fifths progression.

The last section of Avantasia's "The Seven Angels" (the one that starts roughly at 11.44) is a beautiful example of the Pachelbel's progression with the minor ii chord on the 7th bar

Another excellent video. This chord progression is indeed so pleasing. Peaceful, soothing. I'm quite surprised at how many songs have been using it, and how versatile it is to convey various moods (particularly, I am surprised that I never recognize the progression in USSR anthem!). Also, the outro music you provided is also very pleasing.

Daryl Hall's solo (minor) chart making song (in the US), "Dreamtime," is wholly constructed from the canon in D. The outro doesn't even try to mask it; the string section begins to play it note for note.

That improvised part at the end felt very nice, thanks!

Another great video! I have played guitar for 20+ years, but just began my piano journey a few months ago. Your videos have been both very helpful getting me to visualize the keys, and also have drastically improved my understanding of theory. Thank you so much for all your hard work.

This chord progression is popular in the chorus of power metal music as well. Examples include Emerald Sword by Rhapsody of Fire and Destiny by Galneryus

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us all!

Appreciate you slipping Joe in there… “Home Town” is a long time favorite of mine! Thank you!👍

Thoroughly delighted that Scatman's world was on here. Was desperately waiting in anticipation for it

what a fantastically diverse list of music!! thank you for this!

My favourite use is (I think it qualifies) is the second half of the chorus of Mama Mia, possibly the best pop song ever constructed IMHO.

Thank you for letting us hear your beautiful soloing at the end, without a voice over.

Great analysis, very much enjoy your music analysis. I have limited piano theory training but doesn’t stop me from picking up quite a bit of helpful and informative tips from watching your videos. This was a song I knew how to play from piano lessons 35 years ago, but can still use this to help understand now the chord progressions and theory to it and why it works so well on a loop.

You should make a video about "songs that use 3+3+2 subdivision".

some other songs with a variation on the chord progression are: • My Chemical Romance - Welcome To The Black Parade (...IV-I-ii-V) • Goldfinger - Superman (...IV-I-V-V) (at least in the verses)

Love Canon in D. Brings me tears of joy..........

Thanks David!! I did not realize till now that one of my own compositions uses this chord progression!!!!

A key aspect you didn't mention about this chord progression is how the bass line can walk down the scale, especially with the ii chord variant. Using the key of D as an example: D, A/C#, Bm, F#/A, G, D/F#, Em, A(/E)

So, the Russian anthem has the exact same chord progression than a song about going West by none other than the Village People. Let that sink in

Beautifully done. You have a delightful grasp of musical materials.

First song I learned when started playing. I then noticed a lot of song seems so familiar to it. I thought I just missed playing but now I understand. Thanks for the vid!

Looping chord progression before the 1970s: I-vi-IV-V7. The doowoop progression. It was everywhere in the late 1950s/early 1960s.

Thanks for including "Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying," it's a lovely song and one of the more distinctive melodies to use this progression. I'll note this song also uses a variation in the second 8, it goes I V vi iii V I II IV over the same melody.

Superb. Sitting here recovering from CV19 with just a MIDI controller and Garageband, and this is just what I need. So easy to embellish an alternative melody. I liked Ben Folds variation - will look up the whole song. Thanks (once again).

So Pachelbel's Canon inspired loop based chord progressions, and loop based chord progressions have led to a revival in interest in Pachelbel's Canon - a different sort of loop.

Your videos make music theory seem so simple to learn! Seriously, how do you do it!!! Great work :))

I think my favourite version of this progression is the Polyphonic Spree's Light and Day. A super simple song, but captures so much joy.

I love that chord progression, both in its original form and in some of the pop songs, especially Coolio. I wasn't consciously aware that many other pop songs used it. With all due respect to my school music teachers, you are definitely the music teacher I wish I had had at school!

Great and informative video as always!

I'll always love this chord progression, no matter if it's considered overused Now I have a better understanding as to why 😊

Another excellent video,thank you ,David.

A band called Zox from the early 2000s used to perform an extended jam of Canon with guitar, bass, drums and violin. It absolutely slayed!

Green Day used it twice. Basket case in the key of E and One of my lies in the key of D. Both use this progression in the verses. It’s my favorite progression because it flows so well and it’s so easy to write a great melody over.

As someone who knows Rob Paravonian's Pachelbel Rant, this was pretty much a return to some classic references. Another song that uses the chord progression, and the Canon in D, directly, is "Die Eine" by the german rap group "Die Firma"

My entire reason for learning piano is to be able to do what you did at the end there - brilliant 'structured improvisation'. For you, simple - for me, a dream, but one day, I will get there.

Yet another fantastic video. Thanks.

Easily one of the most beautiful pieces ever written. I think a lot of people overlook it because it is so well known.

I've been listening to "Raining Tacos" with my son a lot lately, and I'm pretty sure that uses the same progression! Excellent video as always David!!!

It’s a beautiful progression with certain reminiscent feel to it.❤❤❤

My whole life I've taken things apart to see how they work and I've mostly managed to put them back together. To see the songs I've heard across so many decades and from so many artists, I'm truly shocked that I never noticed the same building blocks, WOW!!

6:09 Best chord progression ever

I've loved the Taco Bell Canon since I first heard it many years ago but had no idea how influential it's been on other artists throughout the decades. Tanks fer this most interestin' 'n enlightenin' expose.

David you are the man. Thank you for what you do. Seriously your channel has so much value. I’m sending you some money when I can. Please keep making videos.

Great video mate, you went over everything anyone could know about this and more.

The students choir at my sister's graduation actually used the similarities to mix Pachelbel's Canon and Green Day's Basket Case. There is even an ancient (2007) recording of them (not from my sister's graduation but another one) on RU-vid: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-O-KWggVyhh4.html Some of the singers went on to found a vocal play band called Audiofeels, which became quite popular in Poland for a couple of years

You’re my favourite RU-vidr 😊❤️

great video, you explained it so good!

Echoing some many here thank you for your explanations and insights and your playing. Excellent!

Welcome to the black parade is also pretty much this chord progression :D

I think also Together Again by Janet Jackson uses the Canon progression, it surprised me you didn't mention it in your examples. It was a big hit in the 90s

loved it so easy to follow along thank you

You mentioned Ralph McTell! Thsts incredible!

This chord progression is simultaneously poignant and jubilant. Sadness and joyousness in a waltz of eternal fellowship. This is what makes life worth experiencing!

I wonder what changing the perfect 4th interval to say a perfect 5th would have on the sound? Is there a reason the 4th was chosen?

Great video... I never in a million years would have known about this classical application to rock/pop music.

Thanks for this video, and all of your amazing videos. I'm learning a lot from them! :D

Forever Young and "tout pour ma chérie" by french singer Michel Polnareff use the same progression. I would love a "i will survive" chord progression video (Robbie Williams used it, the theme song from "dernier domicile connu", even Barbie Girl or Wild World)

I've never seen anyone mention this, so maybe I'm wrong, but I've always considered the "Axis sequence" (I V vi IV) to be an abridged version of Pachelbel. Also one more lovely thing about the Pachelbel sequence is the line cliche you can follow starting on the tonic and descending to the 7th (the 3rd of the V chord), the 6th, the 5th (3rd of the iii chord), 4th, 3rd (of the I chord) then turns and starts up again. I've definitely used that line cliche as a bass line (the same cliche happens a third above as well).

Wow! I totally forgot about the Blues Travelers! Havent heard them in such a long time! Thanks David, for the video and for the memories

Your videos could be on an endless loop and I'd be resolved every time.

Very enjoyable, even as a cellist who keeps an annual "Pachelbel count" of how many times I have to play those 8 notes in any given wedding season (anything under 30 is an extraordinary year). 😄 One random observation I made is that when you mentioned how the progression stays diatonic throughout Pachelbel's Canon, that is only somewhat true. The melody that is played canonically eventually includes C naturals that set up a V7/IV in the chord #4 position. If the quartets in which I play ever make it that far, I try to really lean high on the F# to create a little extra tension because it's so different from the first couple dozen iterations of the progression.