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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!

Fun and challenging!
Super fun to go through all this material
So happy to learn something so pretty so soon!
Very enjoyable lesson
Challenging
Being a beginner and just finishing the Intro to the keyboard course, the Canon took me over 15hrs of practice to get down in its simplest form. I can play the inverted chords but struggling with playing each seperate key of the chord in the left like a metronome. I tried for days and am going to move on and come back to it later.
Key of C Major
I learned so much from just one song. So many different ways to play Jonny’s Cannon, especially liked learning chord inversions.
Love it! Great way to learn cords
Really good way to learn cords and coordination.

Course Lessons

1
Key of C Major – Lesson 1
12:40

Major Scale, 1 & 2 Octaves

2
Key of C Major – Lesson 2
13:33

4 Common Chord Progressions, Grooves

3
Key of C Major – Lesson 3
22:01

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

4
Key of C Major – Lesson 4
21:44

Inversions, Primary Chord Progression, Canon in C Application

5
Key of C Major – Lesson 5
6:51

Performance with Backing Track

Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

Fun and challenging!
Super fun to go through all this material
So happy to learn something so pretty so soon!
Very enjoyable lesson
Challenging
Being a beginner and just finishing the Intro to the keyboard course, the Canon took me over 15hrs of practice to get down in its simplest form. I can play the inverted chords but struggling with playing each seperate key of the chord in the left like a metronome. I tried for days and am going to move on and come back to it later.
Key of C Major
I learned so much from just one song. So many different ways to play Jonny’s Cannon, especially liked learning chord inversions.
Love it! Great way to learn cords
Really good way to learn cords and coordination.
Related Courses

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Explore the bright, cheerful key of G major, one of the most popular keys in music. You'll learn to play its scale smoothly up and down the keyboard and finish with a sweet original lullaby.

Explore the festive, spirited key of F major and learn the one small fingering twist that sets its scale apart. You'll also learn the chords behind popular songs and finish with a fun Latin-flavored original tune.

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