Mi Pachelbel's Canon
I – V – vi – iii – IV – I – IV – V progression in Mi major
Mi Pachelbel's Canon — I – V – vi – iii – IV – I – IV – V
The E Pachelbel Canon progression (E – B – C#m – G#m – A – E – A – B) moves through an eight-chord diatonic sequence anchored by a descending bass line. Major Pentatonic produces effortless melodic lines over every chord change, while Mixolydian adds color on the V. The Aeolian mode connects naturally to the vi chord mid-sequence. With seventh voicings (EMaj7 – B7 – C#m7 – G#m7 – AMaj7 – EMaj7 – AMaj7 – B7), the harmonic texture approaches the lush density of the original orchestral work.
Playing in Mi major
E major is arguably guitar's most powerful key. The open low E and high E strings ring sympathetically as the root, while the open B provides the fifth. This triple reinforcement gives E-based riffs and chords unmatched depth and volume. E is a beginner-level key on guitar because both the low E and high E strings ring as the root, and the open B is the fifth — three open strings reinforce the tonic chord. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.
Voice Leading
The bass line moves through E to B (descending perfect fourth), B to C# (ascending whole step), C# to G# (descending perfect fourth), G# to A (ascending half step), A to E (descending perfect fourth), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to B (ascending whole step). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The root motion by larger intervals (fourths and fifths) gives each chord change a strong, decisive character. When the progression loops, the bass returns from B to E by perfect fourth.
Capo Transposition
To play in E using familiar open chords: capo 2 with open D shapes; capo 4 with open C shapes; capo 7 with open A shapes. Choose the capo position that gives you the voicings you prefer — lower capo positions produce a fuller sound, while higher positions create a brighter, mandolin-like timbre.
Scales for Soloing
E major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, E Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.
Strumming Pattern
Use D-DU-UDU at 100-120 BPM for a standard pop strum. Accent beats 2 and 4 for a backbeat feel. Vary dynamics between verse (lighter) and chorus (stronger) to build energy.