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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!

Great Foundation
Even though I played piano (classical) as a child I did not learn the foundations that this course is teaching me. Great way to get back into piano and this time with far greater understanding. Looking forward to using this foundation to learn different styles!
Hard but very motivating beginning
I liked clear explanations of the teachers Support documentation is excellent Graduation of difficulties is very nice
Fun but challenging for early beginner level
It was a wonderful experience. The lessons were informative, engaging, and a lot fun! The instructor clearly put a lot of thought into the content, making it enjoyable and motivating for students. However, I did find that the tempo of the course felt a bit high for the level it's intended for—early beginners. Backing tracks, while great in concept, were too fast for someone just starting out. Slowing these down would allow students to feel more confident practicing along with them. While the course is marketed for early beginners, some parts can feel intimidating or even discouraging at times. A bit more gradual pacing and support in certain areas could make this course a lot more beginner-friendly.
Great course
I have learned so much and accomplished so much learning Jonny’s Canon in C. I even felt confident to post on PWJ Facebook and received so many great comments. Truly inspiring. I am looking forward to starting the 3rd part of level 1. I am actually playing the piano and making music.
Structured learning which leads to results
The course is easy to follow if you have some basics in music theory. I like the way the content is gradually built on the foundation to enable learner to play a nice tune at the end of the course.

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!

Great Foundation
Even though I played piano (classical) as a child I did not learn the foundations that this course is teaching me. Great way to get back into piano and this time with far greater understanding. Looking forward to using this foundation to learn different styles!
Hard but very motivating beginning
I liked clear explanations of the teachers Support documentation is excellent Graduation of difficulties is very nice
Fun but challenging for early beginner level
It was a wonderful experience. The lessons were informative, engaging, and a lot fun! The instructor clearly put a lot of thought into the content, making it enjoyable and motivating for students. However, I did find that the tempo of the course felt a bit high for the level it's intended for—early beginners. Backing tracks, while great in concept, were too fast for someone just starting out. Slowing these down would allow students to feel more confident practicing along with them. While the course is marketed for early beginners, some parts can feel intimidating or even discouraging at times. A bit more gradual pacing and support in certain areas could make this course a lot more beginner-friendly.
Great course
I have learned so much and accomplished so much learning Jonny’s Canon in C. I even felt confident to post on PWJ Facebook and received so many great comments. Truly inspiring. I am looking forward to starting the 3rd part of level 1. I am actually playing the piano and making music.
Structured learning which leads to results
The course is easy to follow if you have some basics in music theory. I like the way the content is gradually built on the foundation to enable learner to play a nice tune at the end of the course.
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