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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!

Very stimulating
Good and encouraging teachers. I learned a lot. Good advices and tips.
Fun and Rewarding Course
This course did a good job introducing the major scale, chords, common progressions, and inversions. The performance piece was challenging for me with the left hand pattern, but really fun and rewarding once I practiced it over a few sessions. I was aware of the 1, 4, 5 progression, but learning about the other possibilities was very helpful. I'm looking forward to learning more in other keys!
A superb course
As a beginner, I have spent many hours practising the material presented in the six lessons of this superb course and every minute was valuable!
Fun, very important and essential for hands adaptation!
Great step by step for Lh and Rh!
Really important
One of the most difficult things for beginners is to get independence between the two hands. That is why contrary motion in scales and other exercises is easier than parallel motion. This canon and all the exercises are really good to help with independence of the hands.

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!

Very stimulating
Good and encouraging teachers. I learned a lot. Good advices and tips.
Fun and Rewarding Course
This course did a good job introducing the major scale, chords, common progressions, and inversions. The performance piece was challenging for me with the left hand pattern, but really fun and rewarding once I practiced it over a few sessions. I was aware of the 1, 4, 5 progression, but learning about the other possibilities was very helpful. I'm looking forward to learning more in other keys!
A superb course
As a beginner, I have spent many hours practising the material presented in the six lessons of this superb course and every minute was valuable!
Fun, very important and essential for hands adaptation!
Great step by step for Lh and Rh!
Really important
One of the most difficult things for beginners is to get independence between the two hands. That is why contrary motion in scales and other exercises is easier than parallel motion. This canon and all the exercises are really good to help with independence of the hands.
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