The Andalusian cadence and Phrygian dominant · i – ♭VII – ♭VI – V (or iv – ♭III – ♭II – I in Phrygian)
The descending four-chord Andalusian cadence, por arriba vs. por medio, and the Phrygian dominant scale.
Editorial content for this topic is in progress. The interactive player and pattern data are live below.
Hear the pattern
Interactive player — try the progression in any of the 18 keys, switch modes, and adjust tempo to find the feel you want.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
i›Cm
95 BPM
Formulai – ♭VII – ♭VI – V (or iv – ♭III – ♭II – I in Phrygian)
FunctionSee "About" below for harmonic role.
Soundits passionate, Spanish-guitar fire
Common in"Hit the Road Jack" — Ray Charles · "Sultans of Swing" — Dire Straits · Traditional flamenco soleá
Famous"Hit the Road Jack" — Ray Charles · "Sultans of Swing" — Dire Straits · Traditional flamenco soleá
The crimson and ochre palette on this page is inspired by music-color synesthesia — flamenco progressions maps to crimson and ochre, reflecting its passionate, Spanish-guitar fire.
About Flamenco Progressions
The descending four-chord Andalusian cadence, por arriba vs. por medio, and the Phrygian dominant scale.
Variations
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
i›Cm
100 BPM
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
i›Cm
110 BPM
Famous songs & pieces
"Hit the Road Jack" — Ray Charles
"Sultans of Swing" — Dire Straits
Traditional flamenco soleá
Frequently asked questions
What is a flamenco progressions progression?
The descending four-chord Andalusian cadence, por arriba vs. por medio, and the Phrygian dominant scale.
How do I use this on the piano?
Start with the player above in C. Once the pattern is in your ear, transpose to the keys you actually play in. The Roman numerals stay the same; only the chord names change.