Guitar progression
The Pachelbel Walk
I – V – vi – IV in D major (Canon-style)
1
I
2
V
3
vi
4
iii
5
IV
6
I
7
IV
8
V
About this progression
The eight-bar bass line that quietly underpins half of Western music since 1690. Stately, hopeful, endlessly singable. Bonus difficulty: F#m is a small barre — be patient with it.
Practice tip — Practise it half-tempo first. The magic of this progression is that every chord steps gently into the next — never rush.
Chord shapes
Every unique chord this progression uses. Take your time with each one before stringing them together.
Songs you already know with this progression
- Canon in D — Pachelbel
- Basket Case — Green Day (sped up)
- Don\'t Look Back in Anger — Oasis (intro feel)
- Graduation (Friends Forever) — Vitamin C