Andalusian cadence: i–VII–VI–V chords and sound
The Andalusian cadence is i–VII–VI–V in minor: Am G F E. Hear its descending flamenco sound, get it in all 12 keys and learn the songs that use it.
The Andalusian cadence is the descending minor-key progression i–VII–VI–V: in A minor, Am – G – F – E. The bass steps down A, G, F, E and lands on a major V chord. It is the classic sound of flamenco, and of hits such as Hit the Road Jack.
Listen in A minor
Or one chord at a time:
What does Andalusian cadence sound like?
Dramatic and Spanish-sounding: a staircase down that ends on a bright, tense E major chord.
Songs that use Andalusian cadence
| Song | Where |
|---|---|
| Hit the Road Jack (Ray Charles) | the whole loop, i–VII–VI–V (Am G F E when played in A minor) |
| Runaway (Del Shannon) | verse, i–VII–VI–V (usually played Am G F E) |
| Walk, Don't Run (The Ventures) | main theme, in A minor: Am G F E |
Titles only. Listed only when the chords of that section are certain; chords as usually written for that section.
How to recognise it by ear
- Listen to the bass walking down four steps.
- The last chord is major (E with G♯), even though the key is minor: that lift is the signature.
- From the V the loop falls back to i, a half step from G♯ up to A.
Quick test: which progression?
Each sound plays the chords one after another. Pick the progression.
Score: / 3 (your score updates as you answer)
Andalusian cadence in all 12 minor keys
Chords built from the Roman numerals i VII VI V on each key's own scale.
| Key | Chords | Hear it |
|---|---|---|
| A minor | Am – G – F – E | |
| E minor | Em – D – C – B | |
| B minor | Bm – A – G – F♯ | |
| F♯ minor | F♯m – E – D – C♯ | |
| C♯ minor | C♯m – B – A – G♯ | |
| G♯ minor | G♯m – F♯ – E – D♯ | |
| D minor | Dm – C – B♭ – A | |
| G minor | Gm – F – E♭ – D | |
| C minor | Cm – B♭ – A♭ – G | |
| F minor | Fm – E♭ – D♭ – C | |
| B♭ minor | B♭m – A♭ – G♭ – F | |
| E♭ minor | E♭m – D♭ – C♭ – B♭ |
Frequently asked questions
What are the chords of the Andalusian cadence in E minor?
E minor, D, C, B (i VII VI V). In A minor it is Am G F E; in D minor Dm C B flat A.
Why is the last chord major?
The 7th note of the minor scale is raised (G sharp in A minor) to make a major V chord, as in harmonic minor; it pulls strongly back to i.
Why is it called Andalusian?
Because it is central to flamenco, the music of Andalusia in southern Spain.
Is the Andalusian cadence the same as Phrygian?
Related: heard from the final E chord, the descending bass outlines the Phrygian mode on E, which is why flamenco players often treat E as home.