Variation on the Kanon — Pachelbel: piano chords
The full chord chart for Variation on the Kanon by Pachelbel, bar by bar in the original key — and a free player that runs the chords in time with the record while you play.
The chords in Variation on the Kanon
Variation on the Kanon by Pachelbel sits in C major at a slow 75 BPM and moves through 12 chords. The harmony moves quickly and reaches beyond basic triads, so treat it as a goal song and let the player carry you through the hard bars.
Song structure
- Part 1
- 0:29Part 2
- 0:58Part 3
- 1:30Part 4
- 1:55Part 5
- 2:21Part 6
- 2:59Part 7
- 3:38Part 8
- 4:03Part 9
- 4:32Part 10
Learn the chords first
If any of these shapes are new, the free chord trainer teaches every chord in C major — from plain triads to inversions — with real-song exercises. Then come back and play the record.
Quick answers
Is Variation on the Kanon by Pachelbel hard to play on piano?
Variation on the Kanon is an advanced piece: the harmony moves quickly and reaches beyond basic triads at 75 BPM. Treat it as a goal song rather than a starter.
What key is Variation on the Kanon by Pachelbel in?
Variation on the Kanon is in C major, at around 75 BPM.
What are the chords in Variation on the Kanon by Pachelbel?
The main chords are C6, Cmaj7, Fmaj7, Dm7, G7, F6, C, G6 and more — see the full bar-by-bar chart on this page.