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[For Beginners] Play on the Piano! A Collection of Songs Using the Canon Progression
Are you familiar with the so-called “canon progression” in chord progressions?
The progression used in Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D—widely known as Pachelbel’s Canon—has been quoted in many J-pop hits.
Even if you don’t understand chord theory, you’ve almost certainly heard this golden chord progression at least once.
In this article, we’ve compiled a selection of famous songs that use the “canon progression,” focusing on pieces that are easy for beginners to play on the piano.
We’ve included both Japanese and Western music, chosen across different eras—so try playing these classic canon-progression songs on the piano!
[For Beginners] Play on Piano! A Collection of Songs Using the Canon Progression (1–10)
rainbowSuda Masaki
Masaki Suda’s “Niji,” chosen as the theme song for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon 2, uses a slightly arranged version of the Canon progression starting from the intro.
The same progression continues in the first verse (A-melo), and elements of the Canon progression also appear in the chorus.
The consistent use of the Canon progression may be one reason the song feels stable and gently reassuring.
When you play it, try focusing on the movement of the bass line, which clearly reveals the Canon progression!
Piano ManBilly Joel
Billy Joel’s first hit, “Piano Man.” Many of you likely remember the image of Billy Joel gently singing as he plays the piano.
This song is constructed by alternating an arranged canon progression with a progression that uses only the first half of the canon progression.
The stability of the canon progression may be what gives the song its irresistibly soothing quality.
Since the same progression is used, the left-hand accompaniment should be relatively easy to play.
Put your heart fully into the melody as you perform!
Don’t give upZARD
ZARD’s “Makenaide,” beloved across generations as a classic cheer song, actually uses the canon progression in its instantly recognizable intro! The first half of the chorus also features the same canon progression.
The encouraging lyrics—“I’m watching by your side, so do your best!”—together with the driving tempo and the stable harmonic progression may all work together to create the song’s powerful impact.
Once you grasp that the same bass movement is repeated, playing with both hands should become much easier.
Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB
Kome Kome Club’s “Roman Hikō” (“Romantic Flight”) was a massive hit, selling over 1.7 million CDs in total.
Covered by various famous artists and frequently performed live, it’s one of the standout hit songs of the Heisei era.
In this track, the most exciting chorus section uses a harmonic progression that, while not in its complete form, omits part of the Canon progression.
Focusing on the fact that it’s “not in its complete form,” it’s also fun to compare and listen to how far it aligns with and how it differs from Pachelbel’s Canon progression.
Basket CaseGreen Day
“Basket Case,” a track from the major-label debut album by the American punk rock band Green Day.
It’s a somewhat edgy song that portrays youthful anxiety and self-loathing.
Despite its intense feel, the harmony from the intro up to the pre-chorus is actually a variation of the canon progression! While it’s hard to capture the full band energy—thrashing guitars and bass—on the piano, focusing on the beauty of the canon progression will let you bring out the unique strengths of a piano performance.
Marigoldaimyon
Aimyon’s hit song “Marigold” has captured the hearts of many young people.
While the tender, heart-tugging lyrics and Aimyon’s unforced, rustic vocals often draw attention, the truth is that the intro and the first verse use a Pachelbel’s Canon progression! Because the same chords repeat and the chord changes are relaxed, it should be approachable even for beginner pianists.
Once you’ve mastered the left hand and can layer the right-hand melody, try adding more chords or incorporating rhythm into the accompaniment to bring it closer to the original track.
Welcome To The Black ParadeMy Chemical Romance
“Welcome To The Black Parade,” a track from the American rock band My Chemical Romance’s 2006 album.
A powerful song themed around death, its music video—which has surpassed 290 million views—continues to receive messages of praise from fans to this day.
For roughly the first 1 minute and 40 seconds of this beloved and widely supported classic, the progression features a repeated canon-style sequence with added arrangement.
Since this section isn’t densely orchestrated, take your time to listen to the harmonic shifts as you play.