Practice

Andalusian Cadence

A descending Spanish-flamenco vamp that walks down from the minor tonic through the flat-seventh and flat-sixth chords to a tense dominant. The dramatic pull back to the top makes it a favorite in flamenco, rock, and pop hooks alike.

Roman numerals: i–bVII–bVI–V — heard in Hit the Road Jack, Sultans of Swing, and Stray Cat Strut.

The Andalusian Cadence progression

A descending Spanish-flamenco vamp that walks down from the minor tonic through the flat-seventh and flat-sixth chords to a tense dominant. The dramatic pull back to the top makes it a favorite in flamenco, rock, and pop hooks alike.

Roman-numeral formula: i–bVII–bVI–V.

Example in A minor

Played in A minor, i–bVII–bVI–V becomes:

  1. Am — the i chord
  2. G — the bVII chord
  3. F — the bVI chord
  4. E — the V chord

Tap any chord above for fingerings and voicings, or build this progression yourself in the progression builder.

Famous songs that use it

  • Hit the Road Jack
  • Sultans of Swing
  • Stray Cat Strut