Canon in D beginner tutorial — Part 1
You asked for it, and here it is! 🎶 I’m starting a beginner-friendly tutorial series on Canon in D, designed for absolute beginners to piano.
If you know your note names and finger numbers, you're ready to play, no sheet music or knowledge of music theory required! I'll guide you through everything step-by-step, right on the piano, so you can follow along easily.
In today’s video, we'll start with the core pattern of the song, which lays the foundation for the full piece. You'll be able to play along with me as we break the pattern down together. As the series continues, we'll build on what you learn today, adding more notes bit by bit, until you can play Canon in D on your own! 🥳
Preview of what’s in this piano tutorial:
0:00 - Welcome!
2:30 - What is a canon? What does "in D" mean?
3:53 - Left hand pattern: Step by step
8:41 - Right hand pattern: Step by step
12:55 - Hands together: Step by step
18:47 - Final play-through: The first two lines of our song! 🎵
Complete tutorial list:
🌱 Canon in D for beginners -- Part 1: This video!
🌿 Canon in D for beginners -- Part 2: https://youtu.be/grFE4keM0NE
🌺 Canon in D for beginners -- Part 3: https://youtu.be/Ujo_BAjIja0
💐 Canon in D for beginners -- Part 4: https://youtu.be/RR1rR5p797o
🌳 Canon in D for beginners -- Part 5: https://youtu.be/ijzbx2tDMAI
🌟 Canon in D for beginners -- Bonus: https://youtu.be/W7CI1nbbUvQ
Canon in D is a piece many people dream of playing. This arrangement was created to make that dream feel gentle, possible, and deeply enjoyable from the very start.
The core version is designed for true beginners, using simple patterns, supportive fingering, and section-by-section study notes. When you’re ready, you can explore an optional bonus ending that introduces the piece’s iconic soaring melody, offered in a way that feels both reachable and rewarding.
As a special resources created for this arrangement, I’ve also recorded a free, step-by-step YouTube tutorial series to help you move through each section at your own pace.
May this version of Canon in D meet you gently, grow with your skills, and feel beautiful to play from the very first notes!
If you’d like some extra support as you learn (or a sneak preview of the learning ahead!), I’ve created a printable version of the arrangement I wrote and use in this tutorial series. This arrangement includes:
The complete core arrangement designed specifically for new and returning players
An optional bonus ending featuring the iconic soaring melody, for those ready for a gentle challenge
A personal introduction with helpful tips and context to support your learning
Section-by-section study notes with fingering suggestions, practice tips, and direct links to video walkthroughs
Whether you’re learning this for yourself or preparing to share it with others, this version of Canon in D is a piece that can grow with you!