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Key of C Major – Canon in C

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Instructor
Jonny May
Course
Beginner
01:27:25

The key of C is the perfect place to start, because it uses only the white keys. Once you understand how this key works, you’ll have a blueprint for learning every other key. You’ll learn the C major scale in each hand, the chords that belong to the key of C, and four chord progressions (chord patterns) that show up in countless songs. Then you’ll put it all together with Jonny’s Canon in C, an easy piece that sounds impressive.

Once you’re comfortable, you’ll learn inversions, which are different ways to play the same chord. They make it easier to move from one chord to the next, so your playing sounds smoother and more connected. You’ll practice them with a simple three-chord pattern, then use them in Jonny’s Canon in C.

Then you’ll play Jonny’s Canon in C along with a bass and drums backing track, so it feels like you’re playing in a band. Finally, you’ll learn three easy ways to play chords for someone else to sing or play along to, using the same famous chord pattern as Pachelbel’s Canon, a favorite at weddings.

Course Objectives
  • Play the C major scale in both hands and learn all the diatonic chords in the key
  • Play four common chord progressions, including the primary chord progression with smooth voice leading
  • Recognize and play root position, first inversion and second inversion chords
  • Perform Jonny's Canon in C with a full backing track, using both root position chords and inversions
  • Accompany a singer or instrumentalist using three right-hand chord grooves
Learning Focus
  • Chords
  • Groove
  • Lead Sheets
  • Scales
  • Songs
Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

A Challenge But a Win
I love learning about chords. I am not new to playing piano - I started lessons at 5 years-old, but somehow did not pay much attention to chords and chord progressions. Fun lesson!
Cracked Canon at last
I have tried many versions of ‘Canon’, and this is the first time I have even got close to being able to play, without sheet music, a twist on my favourite song. For the first time I am ‘feeling’ the left hand rather than trying to read each note as I go along. Brilliant course, thanks!
Challenging enough to learn, pleasure to play, gorgeous to hear
Another piece of music i'm so happy i learnt to play, thanks PWJ !
Fun and challenging
I love the way the exercises are then incorporated into the song.
Crash course
Wow, this was great to just stay in C major, practice on connecting those chords, practicing technique with crossing over and under...I got SO much out of this course, especially after the foundation.

Course Lessons

1
Key of C Major – Lesson 1
12:40

Major Scale, 1 & 2 Octaves

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2
Key of C Major – Lesson 2
13:33

4 Common Chord Progressions, Grooves

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3
Key of C Major – Lesson 3
22:01

Jonny’s Canon in C, Melody, Chords, and Patterns

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4
Key of C Major – Lesson 4
21:44

Inversions, Primary Chord Progression, Canon in C Application

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5
Key of C Major – Lesson 5
6:51

Performance with Backing Track

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6
Key of C Major – Lesson 6
10:36

Accompaniment

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Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

A Challenge But a Win
I love learning about chords. I am not new to playing piano - I started lessons at 5 years-old, but somehow did not pay much attention to chords and chord progressions. Fun lesson!
Cracked Canon at last
I have tried many versions of ‘Canon’, and this is the first time I have even got close to being able to play, without sheet music, a twist on my favourite song. For the first time I am ‘feeling’ the left hand rather than trying to read each note as I go along. Brilliant course, thanks!
Challenging enough to learn, pleasure to play, gorgeous to hear
Another piece of music i'm so happy i learnt to play, thanks PWJ !
Fun and challenging
I love the way the exercises are then incorporated into the song.
Crash course
Wow, this was great to just stay in C major, practice on connecting those chords, practicing technique with crossing over and under...I got SO much out of this course, especially after the foundation.
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