i–♭VII–♭VI–V

The Andalusian cadence is a descending minor progression rooted in flamenco and Spanish classical music. Its stepwise bass line from the tonic down to the dominant creates a dramatic, passionate sound. Rock and metal artists frequently borrow this pattern for its dark intensity.

Pattern: i – ♭VII – ♭VI – V Example in A Minor: Am – G – F – E

Genre: classical, flamenco, rock Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

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 – G♭ – 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 Bbm – A♭ – G♭ – F E♭ Minor Ebm – D♭ – B – B♭

Song Examples

Hit the Road Jack — Ray Charles
Stairway to Heaven (intro) — Led Zeppelin
Smooth — Santana

Related Progressions

i–iv–v I–♭VII–IV