Andalusian Cadence: Flamenco & Rock

The Andalusian cadence is the sound of a minor key walking downhill with purpose. In A minor, Am–G–F–E creates a descending bass line (A–G–F–E) while the final E chord acts like a strong dominant back to Am. That E major is the tell: it borrows the raised 7th (G#) from harmonic minor, giving the cadence its flamenco bite and “must resolve” energy. You’ll hear it in traditional flamenco, in rock riffs, and in cinematic cues whenever a composer wants instant drama. Rhythmically, it loves a driving groove or a strummed rasgueado feel. Try turning the last chord into E7 for even more pull, or linger on F before the drop to E for a bigger pre‑chorus build. It’s simple, but it sounds ancient and inevitable.

Key: A minor
Tempo: 120 BPM
Groove: rock

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Play it on guitar

Start slow, keep your right hand steady, and aim for clean changes on the downbeats. Once it’s comfortable, add a groove and increase tempo.

Capo suggestion: try capo 0 and play in A shapes for open chords.

Chords: Am – G – F – E

Roman numerals & theory

Roman numerals describe the chord’s function relative to the key. This helps you transpose the “shape” to any key without memorizing new chord names.

Theory Breakdown

The Andalusian Cadence is a descending minor progression (i–♭VII–♭VI–V) that outlines a Spanish Phrygian scale. Its defining feature is the final major V chord. While the rest of the progression descending step-by-step is diatonic to the natural minor scale, the V chord uses a raised leading tone (the major 3rd of the V chord) borrowed from the harmonic minor scale. This creates an intense, dramatic pull that demands a resolution back to the minor tonic (i). It sounds ancient, passionate, and slightly exotic.

Musical Context

Deeply rooted in traditional Flamenco music, this sequence crossed over into rock, pop, and cinematic scores. Classic examples include Ray Charles' "Hit the Road Jack," The Runaways' "Cherry Bomb," and Dire Straits' "Sultans of Swing" (during the solo sections). It is also heavily used in action film soundtracks.

Practice Tips

On guitar, play this with a driving, syncopated Spanish strumming rhythm (rasgueado style). Emphasize the descending bass line on the lower strings (A, G, F, E). Try hammer-ons and pull-offs on the open strings of the final E major chord to mimic flamenco guitar flair.

Variations (keep the progression, change the feel)

• Add 7ths for color (try maj7 on I, m7 on vi, and V7 before resolving).
• Use a sus4 resolve on the V chord (e.g. Gsus4 → G) to create tension and release.
• Change the rhythm instead of the chords: try anticipations (hit the next chord on the “and” of 4).
• Arpeggiate the top notes to create a hook while the harmony stays the same.
• Borrow a darker chord for contrast (in a major key, try iv for one bar before returning).

More rock More in A minor Learn guitar progressions

FAQ

What chords are in Andalusian Cadence: Flamenco & Rock?

In A minor, a common spelling is: Am – G – F – E. Use the “Open in Builder” button to hear it with a groove and adjust tempo.

What key is this progression in?

This page’s example is in A minor. You can transpose the idea to other keys (often with a capo) while keeping the same progression shape.

How do I play this progression on guitar?

Start with clean chord changes at a slow BPM. For open chords, try capo 0 and play in A shapes, then increase tempo once the groove feels steady.

How can I make it sound more interesting?

Keep the progression but add movement: sus4 resolves, 7ths, or a stronger V7 before returning to I. Rhythm and dynamics usually create the biggest “upgrade” on guitar.

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