Pachelbel, Johann – Canon in D

You’ve found the free sheet music and TAB for Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel.

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Commonly called “Pachelbel’s Canon,” this guitar song is perfect as wedding music, background guitar music, or for any occasion. This version has been transcribed to the key of C so it is easy classical guitar music.

Scroll down for detailed video lessons on how to play Canon in D.

CLICK HERE FOR THE CANON IN D SHEET MUSIC AND TABS

CLICK HERE FOR THE CANON IN D SHEET MUSIC AND TABS

Pachelbel, Johann – Canon in D – Guitar Arrangement in Notation and TABs

German composer Johann Pachelbel was born in Nuremberg, Germany. He was born in August of 1653 and is one of the most important composers of the Baroque music era.  His place in musical history has been cemented by his most famous work, “Canon in D.”  This is more commonly known as “Pachelbel’s Canon.”

Johann Pachelbel was a brilliant child, excelling in academics. And also a gifted organist, and later, a teacher.  He studied music in his hometown and spent time in the great city of Vienna, Austria.

Vienna was a musical center at the time. Soon it would be home to other great composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn.  And it was here, at the beginning of the C19th, that the great guitarist Mauro Giuliani astonished audiences with his virtuosity.

Johann Pachelbel’s music was popular during his time. But like many composers, he became more obscure after he died in 1706.  He composed “Canon in D” between 1680 and 1690.  No one knows the exact date.  Some musicologists think he may have written it to be played at the wedding of one of his pupils, Johann Christoph Bach.

The piece was originally called “Canon and Gigue in D” and was written for three violins, and “basso continuo.”  (Basso continuo means a part improvised over a bass line.)  Its popularity may lie in the simple, unchanging bassline.  (This is sometimes known as “ground bass.”)  The tune moves through several variations above the bass, increasing tension and interest in recognizable sections.

The “Canon in D Craze” seems to have started in 1968. This was most likely due to a recording by French conductor Jean-François Paillard.  Johann Pachelbel’s piece was obscure for some time before that recording.  Subsequently, it featured in movies, TV, and radio, and became a classic.

Today we have many arrangements for both solo instruments and chamber music ensembles.  We now find “Canon in D” arranged for piano, oboe, guitar solo, flute, violins, and other instruments.

Since the 1970s, its recognizable sections and chord progressions have been used and adapted for countless pop songs.  This includes Maroon 5’s “Memories.”  Kylie Minogue’s “I Should Be So Lucky” was inspired by it.  Its chords are heard in songs by artists from Oasis and the Pet Shop Boys, to Ralph McTell.

This classic, famous piece is an absolute joy to play.  The gorgeous melody, catchy bass line, and beautifully arranged variations ensure its popularity will continue. Johann Pachelbel’s “Canon” is a work that bridges the past and present, classical and popular, the novice and the virtuoso.

Enjoy these video lessons.  And download this free pdf sheet music arrangement of Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D.  The sheet music includes left-hand fingering and guitar TAB.

Click here for ways to incorporate Johann Pachelbel’s “Canon” into your repertoire.

Click here for more classical guitar free pdf sheet music from the Baroque period.

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