The Andalusian Cadence
The Andalusian cadence is a descending chord progression built on the bass line A–G–F–E — from the minor tonic down to the dominant. Each chord roots on the next descending note. Used in Spanish flamenco, Arabic music, and throughout Western classical and popular music, the Andalusian cadence is one of the most instantly recognizable chord movements in music history. In Roman numerals: i–bVII–bVI–V.
3 progressions — shown in A minor
Transpose to your key →i–bVII–bVI–V (The Andalusian cadence)
Roman numerals
The four-chord sequence with the descending bass line A–G–F–E. Each chord roots on the descending note: Am on A, G major on G, F major on F, E major on E. The final E major (raised V from harmonic minor) creates dominant tension that demands resolution back to Am. On guitar: all open chord shapes.
i–bVII–bVI–bVII (Oscillating variant)
Roman numerals
Avoids the V cadence, oscillating between bVII and bVI. Creates sustained tension without full resolution — the progression never fully arrives. Used in rock and pop applications of the Andalusian sound where a hard dominant cadence would be too abrupt.
i–bVII–bVI–V7 (With dominant 7th)
Roman numerals
Adding the 7th to the V chord (E7 instead of E) intensifies the dominant pull back to Am. The leading tone (G#) in E7 creates a semitone resolution to A — the strongest possible cadential movement. Used in flamenco and classical contexts where maximum cadential weight is required.
How The Andalusian Cadence Works
Every chord in these progressions uses Roman numeral notation — uppercase (I, IV, V) for major chords, lowercase (ii, vi, i) for minor chords. The Roman numeral tells you which scale degree the chord is built on, making the progression key-independent.
To play the andalusian cadence in a different key, apply the same degree relationships to the new key. Use our Chords in a Key tool to see all diatonic chords for any key, or the chord transposer to convert a chord chart to any key instantly.
Diatonic Chord Reference
To apply these progressions in a different minor key, you need to know the diatonic chords for that key. Use our Chords in a Key tool for the major key equivalent (the relative major shares the same chords). For Am, the relative major is C — so the chords in Am are the same as chords in the key of C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Andalusian cadence?
The Andalusian cadence is the chord progression i–bVII–bVI–V, built on a descending bass line. In Am: Am–G–F–E. The bass descends A–G–F–E, with each chord rooted on the descending note. It is central to flamenco, used throughout Western classical music (Bach's Passacaglia in C minor uses it), and appears in countless pop and rock songs.
What is the Andalusian cadence called in music theory?
The Andalusian cadence is technically a descending bass line harmonized with root-position chords. The final chord (V or V7) gives it "cadential" status — it ends on the dominant rather than resolving to the tonic, creating a half cadence. It is also called the "Phrygian half cadence" when used in the Phrygian mode context.
What famous songs use the Andalusian cadence?
"Hit the Road Jack" (Ray Charles) loops the Am–G–F–E pattern throughout. "Sultans of Swing" (Dire Straits) uses the same descent transposed to D minor: Dm–C–Bb–A. "Tequila" (The Champs) builds on an Am–G–F–E7 form. The sequence appears throughout flamenco, classical, and popular music worldwide.
How do I play the Andalusian cadence on guitar?
In Am: Am (open) – G (open G shape) – F (barre at fret 1) – E (open E). Three open shapes and one barre chord. Fingerpick the descending bass notes (5th string for Am, 6th string for G, F, and E) to emphasize the characteristic walking bass line. In Em: Em–D–C–B, which uses even simpler shapes and no barre chords.
Related Chord Progressions
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