I honestly can't believe that you missed Dragonforce's timeless "Valley of the Damned," specifically the chorus. ruclips.net/video/M0TplIeZoYg/видео.html Surprise! Metal pulls influences from classical, too.
For instance, let's see if you recognize the world's most obvious nod to Mozart's "Lacrimosa" (from his Requiem) in the following technical death metal tune, "Reverie on the Onyx" by Archspire: ruclips.net/video/GpxBoa1YM_c/видео.html
I love how Hook by Blues Traveler is literally about how this chord progression is overused, “if I’m feeling stuck, and need a buck, I don’t rely on luck because the hook brings you back.” And then it became their most popular song
Mind blown because I finally have an explanation for why, as a non-music-theorist, sometimes I whistle one of my favourite pop or rock songs, I find myself transitioning to Pachelbel's Cannon without realising.
Well, I can't unhear Jimmy Hendrix in the American anthem, and that's worse! He didn't borrow from an old song and put that into an anthem - he just went ahead and heisted the anthem itself, and now it's a Jimmy Hendrix song! And he did it to the most powerful country on Earth... stole the anthem. The taxpayers hired Whitney and Gaga and whatnot, to try and take it back, but they couldn't overcome Jimmy's mementum. It's really ironic that His estate has done more to ruin the meme-osity than any alleged challenger has. You can't hardly hear his version anymore, except burned into your brain. That only increases its legendary status. Well, that's it for the celebration. The important thing is to remember, they're just like you and me.
3:21 "Hook" by Blues Traveler is my favorite use of this progression, since it's used specifically in service of the song's message. Lyrically, the song itself is a satirical critique on the state of pop radio at the time - in particular, how many songs were either overly formulaic, undervalued meaningful or even coherent lyrical content, or were blatantly made just for a paycheck. They use Pachelbel's Canon as the base progression because, by 1994, it was so frequently used in popular music that it was reputed in songwriting circles as cliché, a fallback for those who treated easy-listening pop music as a business.
Yessss. I loved that song as a kid because it was easy listening. Only rediscovered it in the past couple years and was able to understand the lyrics and how it was all a parody and a critique. But before this video I didn't realize that it was based on this chord progression. That just adds another layer.
If i had a nickel for every time David Rickrolled the audience in a month, I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot but it's weird that it happened twice
i love the fact that "laddies and gentlemen" uses not only the pachelbel's canon chord progression, but they managed to sing "can't help falling in love" from Elvis Presley too. Thats works so nice to me
Speaking of, Cant Help Falling in Love is based in late XVIIth century "Plaisir d'Amour" and once you note that it actually pops out a lot. I think for example the megahit Eres tú (Touch the Wind) by Mocedades uses it.
OMG.... my tears are running after I watched your video ! I've listening to the Pachelbel's Canon since I was, 15,16 yo, now I am 64, and this description really warms up my heart. I will just add, as a humble contribution, that there are two songs that are really inspired on the Canon : "Le temps de vivre" by French Singer Georges Moustaki, and "Find a way to my heart" by Phil Collins. David..THANK's for this AWESOME VIDEO....
In the Renaissance and Baroque periods, there were many pieces that were essentially increasingly complex variations on a tune played over a "ground" bass line, usually a four bar chord progression. Many of these progressions became famous and had names (Romanesca being one). Yes, they are repetitive, but they provided a formal structure over which the composer (or performer) could display their talents and were very popular.
Very similar to many jazz standards, where a chord progression is laid out in a chart and it’s often left up to the band to interpret phrasings and Melodies, as well as allowing individual musicians to flex their talent of improv through solos
Hello David. I played this on violin decades ago (I am very old). What I found interesting is how it relates to the elements of the circle of 5ths. D to A, then the relative minor of both; Bm to F#m, then G to D, then resolving back with G to A to start the 8 bars again. Really have been enjoying your discussions of music theory and how it is applied in western (and sometimes eastern) music from different eras. Really good content. Thank you.
This progression is much older than Pachelbel‘s canon. It is mentioned in a treatise from 1480 „De praeceptis artis musicae“ by Guilielmus Monachus. It is discribed as a parallel motion of thirds (basically the beginning of Pachelbel‘s canon) with added base notes to complete the chords. It was always a beloved progression for improvisation. As said the traditionel name is Romanesca. It exsits a minor version of that progression which is called la Folia, e.g. the famous Sarabande by Händel. ruclips.net/video/xOLQd_pUbxs/видео.html
For those who want to look further, this chord progression is called the Romanesca, here in its older form which has a bassline that goes down a fifth then up a second, and also exists with a stepwise descending bassline, or a mix of the two, the "Galant" Romanesca.
The last section of Avantasia's "The Seven Angels" (the one that starts roughly at 11.44) is a beautiful example of the Pachelbel's progression with the minor ii chord on the 7th bar
@@DavidBennettPiano Concur, David. After seeing these vids I write them down and improvise over them in as many keys as I have patience for. It's helped me internalize these harmonies and has improved my ear.After your "7 Common Progressions" video I've been picking out Andalusian Cadences and the Motown progressions all over the place. Bo Burnham's Inside Outtakes, for example, include both. Spider is andalusian and one of the bezos variation is distinctly doo-wop/motown. Your vids are fabulous for the late beginner developing their ear, grasping some basic theory, and getting comfortable with basic rock/pop improv. Keep it up.
Underrated comment. As someone who is a progressing beginner, it seems like things like “what pieces use what chord progressions” are like an unspoken secret that real musicians understand and keep hidden from the rest of the world. Not out of spite but more that they just hear it and have forgotten that everyone else doesn’t
These chord progression videos have been some of the most helpful material for developing an ear I've ever come across. You could package these and sell them in a course.
Perhaps Pet shop boys wanted to copy the Soviet anthem in the background of Go west, and that's why sounds so predictable. Mind blown for me: The Oasis and Aerosmith songs.
Ever since I was a little kid this chord progression just felt so special and it always stayed with me. Learning that it's in so many nostalgic songs for me like Aerosmith's 'Cryin'' ...it makes sense why it keeps hitting so hard! I love your analysis videos so much.
Daryl Hall's solo (minor) chart making song (in the US), "Dreamtime," is wholly constructed from the canon in D. The outro doesn't even try to mask it; the string section begins to play it note for note.
Pachabel rant comedy bit by Rob Paravonian introduced me to the cello hell that is Pachabel canon in D 15 years ago and I've been hearing it everywhere ever since.
@@dimethylhexane Especially since he re-posted a higher quality version a few years ago. I actually found this video in the suggestions after watching it earlier.
some other songs with a variation on the chord progression are: • My Chemical Romance - Welcome To The Black Parade (...IV-I-ii-V) • Goldfinger - Superman (...IV-I-V-V) (at least in the verses)
When I first heard "Canon in D", my brain went "I'm trying to sleep, I lost count of sheep, my mind is racing faster every minute... IS THIS THE SAME TUNE?!"
You'd expect basket case to be using the iii of the key but it seem to use the major (B# in the chords I think)...it just sort of works as it naturally seems to follows the C#m chord... I think it seems to jump between E major and C# harmonic minor. In much the same way the second chord of Hotel California is F# major... Is there a technical terms for that cadence I wonder?
@@rumtumbugger Basketcase does use the iii, though. Eb - Bb - Cmin - Gmin - Ab - Eb - Bb You can tell because the "whine" note is a Bb, not a B. If they played the major but sang the minor, it'd sound like crapola.
Thanks for including "Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying," it's a lovely song and one of the more distinctive melodies to use this progression. I'll note this song also uses a variation in the second 8, it goes I V vi iii V I II IV over the same melody.
Also the movement of the couples of chords separated by a fifth is by thirds down the major scale (D, Bm, G), which is a very satisfying movement and allows to repeat the same melody on top without making really strage chords
Another excellent video. This chord progression is indeed so pleasing. Peaceful, soothing. I'm quite surprised at how many songs have been using it, and how versatile it is to convey various moods (particularly, I am surprised that I never recognize the progression in USSR anthem!). Also, the outro music you provided is also very pleasing.
My favorite use of it is in Komm Susser Todd from the anime movie End of Evangelion. Love how it uses the imo very euphorically joyous and weddingly chord progression and over it incredibly depressing and nihilistic lyrics.
It’s only natural that song would use a progression consisting of three descending 4ths: tumbling down, tumbling down, tumbling down. Coincidence? Probably.
There's also a passage in Canon in D that almost directly maps onto the "so with sadness in my heart/feel the best thing I can do" lines of Komm Susser Tod. EDIT: Nvm, that passage is ACTUALLY in Air on the G String, I misremembered. Still, it shows how cleverly written Komm Susser Tod is that it can reference both Canon in D and Air, both of which have narrative significance within Evangelion.
I finished the original series just a couple of days ago and I was thinking the very same thing about Ode to Joy. Love it when media use classical pieces with a "triumphant" vibe in them in contrast with the scene that's been shown in the meantime, it's one of my fave music-related tropes :)
Green Day used it twice. Basket case in the key of E and One of my lies in the key of D. Both use this progression in the verses. It’s my favorite progression because it flows so well and it’s so easy to write a great melody over.
This first four bars of this progression is called the Romanesca in some 18th century theory texts. It come in two distinct forms - leaping bass and stepwise bass. In the latter form it’s known as the Gallant Romanesca by modern classical theorists and this is the form preferred by Oasis. I don’t think these theorists are familiar with the theoretical writings of Pete Waterman haha (who is tbf a massive classical music nerd.) All the Young Dudes by Mott the Hoople is my favourite example. Very clever use. I also like Mamma Mia.
A key aspect you didn't mention about this chord progression is how the bass line can walk down the scale, especially with the ii chord variant. Using the key of D as an example: D, A/C#, Bm, F#/A, G, D/F#, Em, A(/E)
Somewhat Green Day Basket Case is one that uses this which I'm glad you featured with the slight variation (i was trying to figure out this chord progression on piano and it sounded like Canon in D) 5:11
Hi David, I just wanted to thank you for the past near-three years of content on this channel. I really got into your content during the middle of 2020 and you amongst many other RUclipsrs who dissect songs through production and music theory. It has not only helped me learn and compose music a lot faster than usual, but gave a whole new level of appreciation for songs I’ve heard a hundreds times over. Not to mention your mentioning of Hook Theory really accelerated things for me in terms of understanding and composing modal structures. After acquiring the knowledge and practicing in this past year or two, I think I’m on the cusp of making my own demos soon and plan to go all the way by going into the studio with them. That being said, I’ve always dreamt about doing this ever since I was 12 so I once again want to thank you (amongst others) for basically changing my life and fulfilling a dream come true. Keep it up. -Bryton
Another great video! I have played guitar for 20+ years, but just began my piano journey a few months ago. Your videos have been both very helpful getting me to visualize the keys, and also have drastically improved my understanding of theory. Thank you so much for all your hard work.
Wow, I knew plenty of these examples individually, but I had no idea collectively there were quite so many of them! It must be by some distance the single most influential piece of classical music on modern popular music.
First song I learned when started playing. I then noticed a lot of song seems so familiar to it. I thought I just missed playing but now I understand. Thanks for the vid!
I note you said at 9:14 that it is unusual for a classical piece of music to be repeated over and over again, like Pachelbel. I note that Handel's Passacaglia in G minor also repeats a theme over and over again, and several popular pieces of music (I will survive, Autumn Leaves, Fly Me to the Moon and so forth) also have this progression, which I call the Heptagon, also called Circle of Fifths progression.
It is not unusual at all. Canon, passacaille, chaconne, they were all over the place. Pachelbel wrote two of them, Buxtehude three, Cabanilles in Spain, Couperin in France, and it was also a very common form in choral sacred music. And then there’s Bach’s passacaille, a true music monument.
While there are plenty of pieces based on a "ground" especially from the baroque period (passacaglia and chaconne being the most common forms), most classical music is not based on this kind of chord loops. I wouldn't call it rare, but it's definitely way more common for classical music not to be based on "chord loops". This is esepcially the case when it comes to music written after the baroque period.
This chord progression is popular in the chorus of power metal music as well. Examples include Emerald Sword by Rhapsody of Fire and Destiny by Galneryus
My entire reason for learning piano is to be able to do what you did at the end there - brilliant 'structured improvisation'. For you, simple - for me, a dream, but one day, I will get there.
So Pachelbel's Canon inspired loop based chord progressions, and loop based chord progressions have led to a revival in interest in Pachelbel's Canon - a different sort of loop.
Superb. Sitting here recovering from CV19 with just a MIDI controller and Garageband, and this is just what I need. So easy to embellish an alternative melody. I liked Ben Folds variation - will look up the whole song. Thanks (once again).
My whole life I've taken things apart to see how they work and I've mostly managed to put them back together. To see the songs I've heard across so many decades and from so many artists, I'm truly shocked that I never noticed the same building blocks, WOW!!
This chord progression is simultaneously poignant and jubilant. Sadness and joyousness in a waltz of eternal fellowship. This is what makes life worth experiencing!
As someone who knows Rob Paravonian's Pachelbel Rant, this was pretty much a return to some classic references. Another song that uses the chord progression, and the Canon in D, directly, is "Die Eine" by the german rap group "Die Firma"
I've loved the Taco Bell Canon since I first heard it many years ago but had no idea how influential it's been on other artists throughout the decades. Tanks fer this most interestin' 'n enlightenin' expose.
Funny that you called it Taco Bell Canon. While playing in the Baroque Ensemble at University (a few years before the Canon became popular, and before even I had heard of it), the conductor announced that we would be playing, what I thought he said was "Taco Bell Canon". I thought, maybe it was a Baroque piece used in a Taco Bell commercial. Once he handed out the sheet music, I could clearly read the composer's name as "PACHELbel". In spite of my extensive prior listening to Baroque music, I had never heard it and loved it instantly, so much that I had it played at our wedding in the gardens of the same University.
I love that chord progression, both in its original form and in some of the pop songs, especially Coolio. I wasn't consciously aware that many other pop songs used it. With all due respect to my school music teachers, you are definitely the music teacher I wish I had had at school!
9:11 This note, that it's rare for classical pieces to be based on what we now call a repeating chord loop, is incorrect. In the Baroque era, this was extremely common. They didn't use the term "chord loop", though; the term was "basso ostinato" (literally "obstinate bass"; we tend to say "ground bass" in English). Many Baroque composers probably didn't think in terms of chords, but in terms of figured bass. There were standard musical forms which relied on it; canon, chaconne, and passacaglia are probably the most famous. Not only that, there were some standard progressions in use, probably the most popular of which is La Folia. Pretty much every late Renaissance and Baroque composer used this chord progression on a loop. Have a listen to the Vivaldi trio sonata Opus 1 nr 12 "La Follia", as one example.
Canon is my favorite piece of classical music, and i'm glad to see it show up in one of your analyses. i always found it to be very soothing and relaxing, and it always makes me feel a little better anytime i hear it
I've never seen anyone mention this, so maybe I'm wrong, but I've always considered the "Axis sequence" (I V vi IV) to be an abridged version of Pachelbel. Also one more lovely thing about the Pachelbel sequence is the line cliche you can follow starting on the tonic and descending to the 7th (the 3rd of the V chord), the 6th, the 5th (3rd of the iii chord), 4th, 3rd (of the I chord) then turns and starts up again. I've definitely used that line cliche as a bass line (the same cliche happens a third above as well).
It’s funny because there’s an American comedian who did a rant about how much he hates Pachelbel that becomes him giving examples of piece following him everywhere. I bring it up because he cites multiple examples in his version (claiming they are Pachelbel) that Axis of Awesome had in their song “4 chords” (which, as best I know, is the origin of why that progression is called the Axis progression now), including a Beatles example (Let It Be, specifically both claim the verse) that was noticeably absent from today’s video, which suggests to me pretty conclusively that it better fits the Axis than Pachelbel because no way David missed it if it was Pachelbel.
I think a lot of what keeps this progression is the natural voice leading within the chords themselves. There are many shared tones within the next chord of the sequence, or have only a semi-tone/half step. This makes them flow easily from one to the next.
I've been listening to "Raining Tacos" with my son a lot lately, and I'm pretty sure that uses the same progression! Excellent video as always David!!!
Very enjoyable, even as a cellist who keeps an annual "Pachelbel count" of how many times I have to play those 8 notes in any given wedding season (anything under 30 is an extraordinary year). 😄 One random observation I made is that when you mentioned how the progression stays diatonic throughout Pachelbel's Canon, that is only somewhat true. The melody that is played canonically eventually includes C naturals that set up a V7/IV in the chord #4 position. If the quartets in which I play ever make it that far, I try to really lean high on the F# to create a little extra tension because it's so different from the first couple dozen iterations of the progression.
Playing the F# high somehow reminds me of Pachelbel's Canon in three tuning systems in ruclips.net/video/d2I1zNw2w-c/видео.html , where in the first variant they used just intonation centered on D, with "septimal C", which is significantly lower than equal temperament C. Either way, the F#-C interval gets smaller. Possibly with your "high F#" you also approch the same interval.
Non musician who plinks on guitar. Prior to this video, I never realized people could learn to hate this chord progression. When I learned to do this with cowboy chords on my guitar, I thought, "Wow!" Maybe, it's easier to be amazed when one is teaching one self. I first heard this played on a GE light bulb commercial many many years ago and for years it rang through my head until I learned what it was.
All the Village People songs were written by the lead singer in the cop uniform and the producer. They played almost all the tracks themselves too. BTW I think they intentionally copied the anthem.
I started playing guitars and piano over 35 years ago by ear and over time developed a love for the theory behind it , having a good understanding of music theory and being able to read and write the language can only be an asset in my eyes . There is so many young people today with a truly fantastic understanding of the theory, yet I haven't heard any new great music for a long time, what am I missing here?
The students choir at my sister's graduation actually used the similarities to mix Pachelbel's Canon and Green Day's Basket Case. There is even an ancient (2007) recording of them (not from my sister's graduation but another one) on RUclips: ruclips.net/video/O-KWggVyhh4/видео.html Some of the singers went on to found a vocal play band called Audiofeels, which became quite popular in Poland for a couple of years
I like that Blues Traveler put some flat 7s in their version to make the 3rd and 4th chords blues-y. That non diatonic III7 in the 4th spot always confused me, but sounds great in that song.
Great analysis, very much enjoy your music analysis. I have limited piano theory training but doesn’t stop me from picking up quite a bit of helpful and informative tips from watching your videos. This was a song I knew how to play from piano lessons 35 years ago, but can still use this to help understand now the chord progressions and theory to it and why it works so well on a loop.
I think also Together Again by Janet Jackson uses the Canon progression, it surprised me you didn't mention it in your examples. It was a big hit in the 90s
Old internet heads can't think of the Canon progression without thinking of comedian Rob Paravonian's "Pachelbel Rant," an early-RUclips viral video. (Though he does slip a few I-V-vi-IV songs into the bit.) "I'll see you in hell, Pachelbel!"
David I just wanted to say your channel is pure gold. I’m just a middle aged hobbyist self-taught musician (been playing for 24 years), but your videos have really clarified so much murkiness in my understanding of basic theory in a way that is very easily understood. Bravo sir!
Forever Young and "tout pour ma chérie" by french singer Michel Polnareff use the same progression. I would love a "i will survive" chord progression video (Robbie Williams used it, the theme song from "dernier domicile connu", even Barbie Girl or Wild World)
This is a great vid, for the fact that the comments have started a conversation. I am 63 years of age, & have been playing music for 50 years, but you are teaching me, so thank you.
Never realised before why this sequence is such a mindworm! It's that repeated fall of a fourth in the root. It's sort of irresistible. "Go West, La La La La,..." Damn. I'll never get it out of my head now!
Start learning how to play the piano today with flowkey: go.flowkey.com/davidbennett 🎹😁
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I honestly can't believe that you missed Dragonforce's timeless "Valley of the Damned," specifically the chorus.
ruclips.net/video/M0TplIeZoYg/видео.html
Surprise! Metal pulls influences from classical, too.
For instance, let's see if you recognize the world's most obvious nod to Mozart's "Lacrimosa" (from his Requiem) in the following technical death metal tune, "Reverie on the Onyx" by Archspire: ruclips.net/video/GpxBoa1YM_c/видео.html
@@tiyenin I expect he’ll be doing an entire series on Archispere soon enough.
@@UkeofCarl That happens, I'd join his patreon without question.
Never would I thought I'd see Rick Astley and the Soviet national anthem in the same video
The Power of Memes!
Yet more proof that Rick-rolling is a communist plot for world domination.
I've seen thousands videos of these two
Gives a whole new meaning to Go West!
I love how Hook by Blues Traveler is literally about how this chord progression is overused, “if I’m feeling stuck, and need a buck, I don’t rely on luck because the hook brings you back.” And then it became their most popular song
Maroon 5 not only following chord progression, but also using Pachelbel melody
That's why it's the most obvious and blatant use
Yup. Taking a page out of the Coldplay book.
They didn't even try changing it. Crazy how you can just play a song with a slightly different rhythm and add lyrics then it's just a "different song"
@@AS-fu1kd why to change? This is perfectly Ok to use music. I just do not get it why they did not mentioned music author in credits
@@melickon I never said it was a bad thing
4:42 _our_ chord progression
Yes, comrade!
From this video I assume that both The Beatles and Radiohead have never had a song using Pachelbel's Canon chord progression.
I don't think they have honestly.
Let It Be is not far off...
not many people are as creative as the Beatles or Radiohead when i comes to chord progressions. Pachelbel might be the most cheesy progression ever
What about Lennon’s “Mind Games?”
@@jochem420 i mean yea but ladies and gentleman uses it and is also one of the best songs ive heard so it can b done
Mind blown because I finally have an explanation for why, as a non-music-theorist, sometimes I whistle one of my favourite pop or rock songs, I find myself transitioning to Pachelbel's Cannon without realising.
Cool, now I will never unhear Pachelbel's Canon in the Russian anthem.
Interesting!
Well, I can't unhear Jimmy Hendrix in the American anthem, and that's worse! He didn't borrow from an old song and put that into an anthem - he just went ahead and heisted the anthem itself, and now it's a Jimmy Hendrix song! And he did it to the most powerful country on Earth... stole the anthem. The taxpayers hired Whitney and Gaga and whatnot, to try and take it back, but they couldn't overcome Jimmy's mementum. It's really ironic that His estate has done more to ruin the meme-osity than any alleged challenger has. You can't hardly hear his version anymore, except burned into your brain. That only increases its legendary status. Well, that's it for the celebration. The important thing is to remember, they're just like you and me.
@@GizzyDillespee when i think of the american anthem i always hear the normal instrumental version..
I'll never unhear the Russian anthem in Go West now either!!
@@yummers2001 I think that's intentional
3:21 "Hook" by Blues Traveler is my favorite use of this progression, since it's used specifically in service of the song's message. Lyrically, the song itself is a satirical critique on the state of pop radio at the time - in particular, how many songs were either overly formulaic, undervalued meaningful or even coherent lyrical content, or were blatantly made just for a paycheck. They use Pachelbel's Canon as the base progression because, by 1994, it was so frequently used in popular music that it was reputed in songwriting circles as cliché, a fallback for those who treated easy-listening pop music as a business.
Yessss. I loved that song as a kid because it was easy listening. Only rediscovered it in the past couple years and was able to understand the lyrics and how it was all a parody and a critique. But before this video I didn't realize that it was based on this chord progression. That just adds another layer.
Loved that song cause it was satirical
This was my first thought when seeing this video. Hook is a genius pop song.
Agree, it's arguably the most punk rock song of all time.
10:07 David manages to rickroll us while staying in theme. Sweet.
Of course he had to find way to rick roll us somehow lol
He did it once. The flood gates have been opened.
You thought you were safe just because the chord loop isn't the one we're talking about? Think again.
If i had a nickel for every time David Rickrolled the audience in a month, I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot but it's weird that it happened twice
He did it. Again.
Classic music has so much to teach to everybody, especially to those who dislike it.
i love the fact that "laddies and gentlemen" uses not only the pachelbel's canon chord progression, but they managed to sing "can't help falling in love" from Elvis Presley too. Thats works so nice to me
Reminds me of what Simon & Garfunkel did with “Scarborough Fair”. They mixed up two existing songs to effectively create something new.
nice profile pic
Speaking of, Cant Help Falling in Love is based in late XVIIth century "Plaisir d'Amour" and once you note that it actually pops out a lot. I think for example the megahit Eres tú (Touch the Wind) by Mocedades uses it.
@@ludwigderkommentar6436 yours is better bud
@@charles_heres oh yeah i heard of that french song too while reading about Elvis' one. All those songs are reallly pleasing to listen to
OMG.... my tears are running after I watched your video ! I've listening to the Pachelbel's Canon since I was, 15,16 yo, now I am 64, and this description really warms up my heart. I will just add, as a humble contribution, that there are two songs that are really inspired on the Canon : "Le temps de vivre" by French Singer Georges Moustaki, and "Find a way to my heart" by Phil Collins. David..THANK's for this AWESOME VIDEO....
never would've guessed that the USSR anthem had the same chords as Pachelbel's Canon, great video
Thanks 😊
Love the transition from the USSR national anthem to the Pet Shop Boys!
@@spherbert8080 me too! That was so funny! 😁
@@spherbert8080 cleaner than mr.clean
Making an orchestra play that piece of is practically Stalinism.
The most beautiful chord progression I’ve ever heard.
Maybe you to listen to mroe music
Much too nice for me, 0 edge. B like in boring.
There's a reason it's so popular, it's one of the greatest chord progressions ever
Too bad its become stale at this point
For easy listening. I prefer more heavy stuff.
@@KaisKites lol. Listen to Cacophony. This progression + heavy is possible
as a cellist i am obligated to disagree
National Anthem of the USSR transitioning into Go West was hilarious
It's magnificent
In the Renaissance and Baroque periods, there were many pieces that were essentially increasingly complex variations on a tune played over a "ground" bass line, usually a four bar chord progression. Many of these progressions became famous and had names (Romanesca being one). Yes, they are repetitive, but they provided a formal structure over which the composer (or performer) could display their talents and were very popular.
Very similar to many jazz standards, where a chord progression is laid out in a chart and it’s often left up to the band to interpret phrasings and Melodies, as well as allowing individual musicians to flex their talent of improv through solos
Today it's band in a box or loopmasters, and people jam over the top. I'd rather make my own chord loops, but it's a consumer culture.
La Folia also. Dances used a lot of ostinato patterns. I think this helped their spread because people could dance to them. Passamezzos, too.
Bach, circular to circle town. Just more than 4.
Ah yes, the Ground Round, which died out around the time of PDQ Bach.
Hello David. I played this on violin decades ago (I am very old). What I found interesting is how it relates to the elements of the circle of 5ths. D to A, then the relative minor of both; Bm to F#m, then G to D, then resolving back with G to A to start the 8 bars again. Really have been enjoying your discussions of music theory and how it is applied in western (and sometimes eastern) music from different eras. Really good content. Thank you.
This progression is much older than Pachelbel‘s canon. It is mentioned in a treatise from 1480 „De praeceptis artis musicae“ by Guilielmus Monachus. It is discribed as a parallel motion of thirds (basically the beginning of Pachelbel‘s canon) with added base notes to complete the chords. It was always a beloved progression for improvisation. As said the traditionel name is Romanesca. It exsits a minor version of that progression which is called la Folia, e.g. the famous Sarabande by Händel.
ruclips.net/video/xOLQd_pUbxs/видео.html
I always think of Canon like a Blues or Boogie Woogie song. The left constantly repeating while the right is free to improvise over it.
For those who want to look further, this chord progression is called the Romanesca, here in its older form which has a bassline that goes down a fifth then up a second, and also exists with a stepwise descending bassline, or a mix of the two, the "Galant" Romanesca.
The last section of Avantasia's "The Seven Angels" (the one that starts roughly at 11.44) is a beautiful example of the Pachelbel's progression with the minor ii chord on the 7th bar
was scrolling down to find this comment lmao
These chord progression videos are pure gold. Adding all of these to a playlist for messing around later.
Your channel is an incredible help - Thanks
Thank you 😊
@@DavidBennettPiano Concur, David. After seeing these vids I write them down and improvise over them in as many keys as I have patience for. It's helped me internalize these harmonies and has improved my ear.After your "7 Common Progressions" video I've been picking out Andalusian Cadences and the Motown progressions all over the place. Bo Burnham's Inside Outtakes, for example, include both. Spider is andalusian and one of the bezos variation is distinctly doo-wop/motown. Your vids are fabulous for the late beginner developing their ear, grasping some basic theory, and getting comfortable with basic rock/pop improv.
Keep it up.
@@nathanielholzgrafe5274 thank you! That really means a lot 😃😃
Did the same
Underrated comment. As someone who is a progressing beginner, it seems like things like “what pieces use what chord progressions” are like an unspoken secret that real musicians understand and keep hidden from the rest of the world. Not out of spite but more that they just hear it and have forgotten that everyone else doesn’t
These chord progression videos have been some of the most helpful material for developing an ear I've ever come across. You could package these and sell them in a course.
The transition from Russian Anthem to Go West is so satisfying and somehow predictable haha
LOL!
Perhaps Pet shop boys wanted to copy the Soviet anthem in the background of Go west, and that's why sounds so predictable.
Mind blown for me: The Oasis and Aerosmith songs.
@@gustavoadolforeyessalas4495The song is originally from Village People.
Ever since I was a little kid this chord progression just felt so special and it always stayed with me. Learning that it's in so many nostalgic songs for me like Aerosmith's 'Cryin'' ...it makes sense why it keeps hitting so hard! I love your analysis videos so much.
Much love for The Scatman!
He's still out there, livin' it up in Scatland.
Daryl Hall's solo (minor) chart making song (in the US), "Dreamtime," is wholly constructed from the canon in D. The outro doesn't even try to mask it; the string section begins to play it note for note.
Pachabel rant comedy bit by Rob Paravonian introduced me to the cello hell that is Pachabel canon in D 15 years ago and I've been hearing it everywhere ever since.
I was surprised he didn't mention it! definitely worth a watch
To save people time since I had just gone to look it up too : ruclips.net/video/uxC1fPE1QEE/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/uxC1fPE1QEE/видео.html
@@dimethylhexane Especially since he re-posted a higher quality version a few years ago. I actually found this video in the suggestions after watching it earlier.
some other songs with a variation on the chord progression are:
• My Chemical Romance - Welcome To The Black Parade (...IV-I-ii-V)
• Goldfinger - Superman (...IV-I-V-V) (at least in the verses)
When I first heard "Canon in D", my brain went "I'm trying to sleep, I lost count of sheep, my mind is racing faster every minute... IS THIS THE SAME TUNE?!"
Hey, someone else heard Welcome to the Black Parade too. I thought that was the case, just needed to sanity-check it.
5:11 Damn Basket Case using a variation of the Pachelbel Canon chords, that's pretty fun and interessing to see all those songs using those chords !
So does the song "One Of My Lies," by Green Day, off their album Kerplunk, which came out a couple years before Dookie.
Naruto Shippuden OP 6 has a variation in the first few seconds
"Punk music is a joke/It's really just baroque ..."
You'd expect basket case to be using the iii of the key but it seem to use the major (B# in the chords I think)...it just sort of works as it naturally seems to follows the C#m chord... I think it seems to jump between E major and C# harmonic minor.
In much the same way the second chord of Hotel California is F# major... Is there a technical terms for that cadence I wonder?
@@rumtumbugger Basketcase does use the iii, though. Eb - Bb - Cmin - Gmin - Ab - Eb - Bb You can tell because the "whine" note is a Bb, not a B. If they played the major but sang the minor, it'd sound like crapola.
Thanks for including "Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying," it's a lovely song and one of the more distinctive melodies to use this progression. I'll note this song also uses a variation in the second 8, it goes I V vi iii V I II IV over the same melody.
Also the movement of the couples of chords separated by a fifth is by thirds down the major scale (D, Bm, G), which is a very satisfying movement and allows to repeat the same melody on top without making really strage chords
Another excellent video. This chord progression is indeed so pleasing. Peaceful, soothing. I'm quite surprised at how many songs have been using it, and how versatile it is to convey various moods (particularly, I am surprised that I never recognize the progression in USSR anthem!). Also, the outro music you provided is also very pleasing.
I laughed out loud when the Soviet Anthem came up. I didn't expect that!
Same here 😂
Easily one of the most beautiful pieces ever written. I think a lot of people overlook it because it is so well known.
One of the cases of something being so well-known but it's completely and utterly deserved.
My favorite use of it is in Komm Susser Todd from the anime movie End of Evangelion. Love how it uses the imo very euphorically joyous and weddingly chord progression and over it incredibly depressing and nihilistic lyrics.
It’s only natural that song would use a progression consisting of three descending 4ths: tumbling down, tumbling down, tumbling down. Coincidence? Probably.
That song is one of my all time favourites for exactly that reason! That juxtaposition is also the reason for the use of Ode to Joy in Evangelion.
There's also a passage in Canon in D that almost directly maps onto the "so with sadness in my heart/feel the best thing I can do" lines of Komm Susser Tod.
EDIT: Nvm, that passage is ACTUALLY in Air on the G String, I misremembered. Still, it shows how cleverly written Komm Susser Tod is that it can reference both Canon in D and Air, both of which have narrative significance within Evangelion.
I can't believe i didn't realise that
I finished the original series just a couple of days ago and I was thinking the very same thing about Ode to Joy. Love it when media use classical pieces with a "triumphant" vibe in them in contrast with the scene that's been shown in the meantime, it's one of my fave music-related tropes :)
Green Day used it twice. Basket case in the key of E and One of my lies in the key of D. Both use this progression in the verses. It’s my favorite progression because it flows so well and it’s so easy to write a great melody over.
This first four bars of this progression is called the Romanesca in some 18th century theory texts. It come in two distinct forms - leaping bass and stepwise bass. In the latter form it’s known as the Gallant Romanesca by modern classical theorists and this is the form preferred by Oasis. I don’t think these theorists are familiar with the theoretical writings of Pete Waterman haha (who is tbf a massive classical music nerd.)
All the Young Dudes by Mott the Hoople is my favourite example. Very clever use. I also like Mamma Mia.
A key aspect you didn't mention about this chord progression is how the bass line can walk down the scale, especially with the ii chord variant.
Using the key of D as an example: D, A/C#, Bm, F#/A, G, D/F#, Em, A(/E)
this is used in "Love in the first degree" for example, and it's a great bassline!
you can also find parts of this descending bassline in the verse of "man in the mirror" by Michael Jackson
Somewhat Green Day Basket Case is one that uses this which I'm glad you featured with the slight variation
(i was trying to figure out this chord progression on piano and it sounded like Canon in D) 5:11
Thank you for letting us hear your beautiful soloing at the end, without a voice over.
Hi David,
I just wanted to thank you for the past near-three years of content on this channel. I really got into your content during the middle of 2020 and you amongst many other RUclipsrs who dissect songs through production and music theory. It has not only helped me learn and compose music a lot faster than usual, but gave a whole new level of appreciation for songs I’ve heard a hundreds times over. Not to mention your mentioning of Hook Theory really accelerated things for me in terms of understanding and composing modal structures.
After acquiring the knowledge and practicing in this past year or two, I think I’m on the cusp of making my own demos soon and plan to go all the way by going into the studio with them. That being said, I’ve always dreamt about doing this ever since I was 12 so I once again want to thank you (amongst others) for basically changing my life and fulfilling a dream come true.
Keep it up.
-Bryton
I’m really glad that my videos are helping people like you! It really motivates me to get support like this, so thank you! 😃
Another great video! I have played guitar for 20+ years, but just began my piano journey a few months ago. Your videos have been both very helpful getting me to visualize the keys, and also have drastically improved my understanding of theory. Thank you so much for all your hard work.
youre the godfather of my musical knowledge.
😃😃
That improvised part at the end felt very nice, thanks!
My favourite use is (I think it qualifies) is the second half of the chorus of Mama Mia, possibly the best pop song ever constructed IMHO.
Love Canon in D. Brings me tears of joy..........
Wow, I knew plenty of these examples individually, but I had no idea collectively there were quite so many of them! It must be by some distance the single most influential piece of classical music on modern popular music.
You need to see this, then: ruclips.net/video/uxC1fPE1QEE/видео.html
First song I learned when started playing. I then noticed a lot of song seems so familiar to it. I thought I just missed playing but now I understand. Thanks for the vid!
I note you said at 9:14 that it is unusual for a classical piece of music to be repeated over and over again, like Pachelbel. I note that Handel's Passacaglia in G minor also repeats a theme over and over again, and several popular pieces of music (I will survive, Autumn Leaves, Fly Me to the Moon and so forth) also have this progression, which I call the Heptagon, also called Circle of Fifths progression.
It is not unusual at all. Canon, passacaille, chaconne, they were all over the place. Pachelbel wrote two of them, Buxtehude three, Cabanilles in Spain, Couperin in France, and it was also a very common form in choral sacred music. And then there’s Bach’s passacaille, a true music monument.
While there are plenty of pieces based on a "ground" especially from the baroque period (passacaglia and chaconne being the most common forms), most classical music is not based on this kind of chord loops.
I wouldn't call it rare, but it's definitely way more common for classical music not to be based on "chord loops". This is esepcially the case when it comes to music written after the baroque period.
A band called Zox from the early 2000s used to perform an extended jam of Canon with guitar, bass, drums and violin. It absolutely slayed!
This chord progression is popular in the chorus of power metal music as well. Examples include Emerald Sword by Rhapsody of Fire and Destiny by Galneryus
Ending to avantasias seven angels
Valley Of The Damned by Dragonforce springs to mind as well.
Similar vein, Avantasia’s Seven Angels goes full Pachelbel for the last few minutes (edit: ha, someone else beat me to it, but oh well)
Ha! I love Emerald Sword! I can almost play that song and I have never noticed it has the same progression as Canon.
Manowar's ballad "Courage" uses the pure chord progression.
I think my favourite version of this progression is the Polyphonic Spree's Light and Day. A super simple song, but captures so much joy.
thank you for not rickrolling us! amazing content as always.
Sorry to disappoint you 10:08
You know he didn’t watch the whole video lol
Thanks David!! I did not realize till now that one of my own compositions uses this chord progression!!!!
Looping chord progression before the 1970s: I-vi-IV-V7. The doowoop progression. It was everywhere in the late 1950s/early 1960s.
My entire reason for learning piano is to be able to do what you did at the end there - brilliant 'structured improvisation'.
For you, simple - for me, a dream, but one day, I will get there.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us all!
😃😃😃
So Pachelbel's Canon inspired loop based chord progressions, and loop based chord progressions have led to a revival in interest in Pachelbel's Canon - a different sort of loop.
Superb. Sitting here recovering from CV19 with just a MIDI controller and Garageband, and this is just what I need. So easy to embellish an alternative melody. I liked Ben Folds variation - will look up the whole song. Thanks (once again).
My whole life I've taken things apart to see how they work and I've mostly managed to put them back together. To see the songs I've heard across so many decades and from so many artists, I'm truly shocked that I never noticed the same building blocks, WOW!!
I'll always love this chord progression, no matter if it's considered overused
Now I have a better understanding as to why 😊
Well, you just made me think of the "Titanic" song. Now I can't wait for what's around the next corner
This chord progression is simultaneously poignant and jubilant.
Sadness and joyousness in a waltz of eternal fellowship. This is what makes life worth experiencing!
Great, isn't it?
Thanks to you, too, for such a wonderful sentiment!
Origin of Language - Nicely said!
Thoroughly delighted that Scatman's world was on here. Was desperately waiting in anticipation for it
what a fantastically diverse list of music!! thank you for this!
As someone who knows Rob Paravonian's Pachelbel Rant, this was pretty much a return to some classic references.
Another song that uses the chord progression, and the Canon in D, directly, is "Die Eine" by the german rap group "Die Firma"
It’s a beautiful progression with certain reminiscent feel to it.❤❤❤
6:09 Best chord progression ever
I've loved the Taco Bell Canon since I first heard it many years ago but had no idea how influential it's been on other artists throughout the decades. Tanks fer this most interestin' 'n enlightenin' expose.
Funny that you called it Taco Bell Canon. While playing in the Baroque Ensemble at University (a few years before the Canon became popular, and before even I had heard of it), the conductor announced that we would be playing, what I thought he said was "Taco Bell Canon". I thought, maybe it was a Baroque piece used in a Taco Bell commercial. Once he handed out the sheet music, I could clearly read the composer's name as "PACHELbel". In spite of my extensive prior listening to Baroque music, I had never heard it and loved it instantly, so much that I had it played at our wedding in the gardens of the same University.
You should make a video about "songs that use 3+3+2 subdivision".
I love that chord progression, both in its original form and in some of the pop songs, especially Coolio. I wasn't consciously aware that many other pop songs used it. With all due respect to my school music teachers, you are definitely the music teacher I wish I had had at school!
Great and informative video as always!
Thanks 😊
9:11 This note, that it's rare for classical pieces to be based on what we now call a repeating chord loop, is incorrect. In the Baroque era, this was extremely common. They didn't use the term "chord loop", though; the term was "basso ostinato" (literally "obstinate bass"; we tend to say "ground bass" in English). Many Baroque composers probably didn't think in terms of chords, but in terms of figured bass. There were standard musical forms which relied on it; canon, chaconne, and passacaglia are probably the most famous.
Not only that, there were some standard progressions in use, probably the most popular of which is La Folia. Pretty much every late Renaissance and Baroque composer used this chord progression on a loop. Have a listen to the Vivaldi trio sonata Opus 1 nr 12 "La Follia", as one example.
Your videos make music theory seem so simple to learn! Seriously, how do you do it!!! Great work :))
Canon is my favorite piece of classical music, and i'm glad to see it show up in one of your analyses. i always found it to be very soothing and relaxing, and it always makes me feel a little better anytime i hear it
I've never seen anyone mention this, so maybe I'm wrong, but I've always considered the "Axis sequence" (I V vi IV) to be an abridged version of Pachelbel.
Also one more lovely thing about the Pachelbel sequence is the line cliche you can follow starting on the tonic and descending to the 7th (the 3rd of the V chord), the 6th, the 5th (3rd of the iii chord), 4th, 3rd (of the I chord) then turns and starts up again. I've definitely used that line cliche as a bass line (the same cliche happens a third above as well).
It’s funny because there’s an American comedian who did a rant about how much he hates Pachelbel that becomes him giving examples of piece following him everywhere.
I bring it up because he cites multiple examples in his version (claiming they are Pachelbel) that Axis of Awesome had in their song “4 chords” (which, as best I know, is the origin of why that progression is called the Axis progression now), including a Beatles example (Let It Be, specifically both claim the verse) that was noticeably absent from today’s video, which suggests to me pretty conclusively that it better fits the Axis than Pachelbel because no way David missed it if it was Pachelbel.
I think a lot of what keeps this progression is the natural voice leading within the chords themselves. There are many shared tones within the next chord of the sequence, or have only a semi-tone/half step. This makes them flow easily from one to the next.
I've been listening to "Raining Tacos" with my son a lot lately, and I'm pretty sure that uses the same progression! Excellent video as always David!!!
Is it by Yo Han Taco Bell?
@@ericcrabtree6245 Parry Grip, actually.
Yes, I had to go back and listen, but it's the very same progression. Can't believe I never noticed that.
I consider Canon in D the greatest song ever written. You played it very well.
Very enjoyable, even as a cellist who keeps an annual "Pachelbel count" of how many times I have to play those 8 notes in any given wedding season (anything under 30 is an extraordinary year). 😄
One random observation I made is that when you mentioned how the progression stays diatonic throughout Pachelbel's Canon, that is only somewhat true. The melody that is played canonically eventually includes C naturals that set up a V7/IV in the chord #4 position. If the quartets in which I play ever make it that far, I try to really lean high on the F# to create a little extra tension because it's so different from the first couple dozen iterations of the progression.
Playing the F# high somehow reminds me of Pachelbel's Canon in three tuning systems in ruclips.net/video/d2I1zNw2w-c/видео.html , where in the first variant they used just intonation centered on D, with "septimal C", which is significantly lower than equal temperament C. Either way, the F#-C interval gets smaller. Possibly with your "high F#" you also approch the same interval.
Non musician who plinks on guitar. Prior to this video, I never realized people could learn to hate this chord progression. When I learned to do this with cowboy chords on my guitar, I thought, "Wow!" Maybe, it's easier to be amazed when one is teaching one self. I first heard this played on a GE light bulb commercial many many years ago and for years it rang through my head until I learned what it was.
Beautifully done. You have a delightful grasp of musical materials.
So, the Russian anthem has the exact same chord progression than a song about going West by none other than the Village People. Let that sink in
All the Village People songs were written by the lead singer in the cop uniform and the producer. They played almost all the tracks themselves too. BTW I think they intentionally copied the anthem.
It was the pet shop boys and it was very intentional I believe
@@lezogzog That‘s just how it is!
@@WinstonSmithGPT Wasn't the original one made by the Village People...?
And now the construction worker from the Village People is Secretary of Transportation!
I started playing guitars and piano over 35 years ago by ear and over time developed a love for the theory behind it , having a good understanding of music theory and being able to read and write the language can only be an asset in my eyes . There is so many young people today with a truly fantastic understanding of the theory, yet I haven't heard any new great music for a long time, what am I missing here?
Going from the USSR anthem going into the Pet Shop Boys... it was so perfect... its really like it was the same song, and i will never unhear that.
Spectacular bit of editing 😂
When I heard the first few seconds of the video my brain imediately was like 'Here's to the ones that we got'
The students choir at my sister's graduation actually used the similarities to mix Pachelbel's Canon and Green Day's Basket Case. There is even an ancient (2007) recording of them (not from my sister's graduation but another one) on RUclips: ruclips.net/video/O-KWggVyhh4/видео.html
Some of the singers went on to found a vocal play band called Audiofeels, which became quite popular in Poland for a couple of years
that's pretty amazing! thanks for sharing such a good interpretation!
I like that Blues Traveler put some flat 7s in their version to make the 3rd and 4th chords blues-y. That non diatonic III7 in the 4th spot always confused me, but sounds great in that song.
Welcome to the black parade is also pretty much this chord progression :D
Great analysis, very much enjoy your music analysis. I have limited piano theory training but doesn’t stop me from picking up quite a bit of helpful and informative tips from watching your videos. This was a song I knew how to play from piano lessons 35 years ago, but can still use this to help understand now the chord progressions and theory to it and why it works so well on a loop.
I think also Together Again by Janet Jackson uses the Canon progression, it surprised me you didn't mention it in your examples. It was a big hit in the 90s
gorgeous piano at the end, I love anyone that can play a musical instrument well.
Old internet heads can't think of the Canon progression without thinking of comedian Rob Paravonian's "Pachelbel Rant," an early-RUclips viral video. (Though he does slip a few I-V-vi-IV songs into the bit.) "I'll see you in hell, Pachelbel!"
David I just wanted to say your channel is pure gold. I’m just a middle aged hobbyist self-taught musician (been playing for 24 years), but your videos have really clarified so much murkiness in my understanding of basic theory in a way that is very easily understood. Bravo sir!
Forever Young and "tout pour ma chérie" by french singer Michel Polnareff use the same progression. I would love a "i will survive" chord progression video (Robbie Williams used it, the theme song from "dernier domicile connu", even Barbie Girl or Wild World)
This is a great vid, for the fact that the comments have started a conversation. I am 63 years of age, & have been playing music for 50 years, but you are teaching me, so thank you.
I wonder what changing the perfect 4th interval to say a perfect 5th would have on the sound? Is there a reason the 4th was chosen?
Never realised before why this sequence is such a mindworm! It's that repeated fall of a fourth in the root. It's sort of irresistible. "Go West, La La La La,..." Damn. I'll never get it out of my head now!
I call this nostalgy chord progression. I always get nostalgic feeling when I hear songs written on this