@Gene, this is correct 
@Thedoge, think of the common and valve wire creating a loop with the controller and solenoid – however the common is a shared leg to the loop for each individual zone.
Let us know if you need any additional help testing your wiring.
Out of curiosity, have you attempted to connect the valve wiring to the controller and test your zones using the remote? Sometimes that’s easier than pulling out the voltmeter 