i–♭VII–♭VI–V–i

The i–♭VII–♭VI–V–i is the complete Andalusian cadence with resolution back to the tonic. This descending tetrachord progression has roots in flamenco and Renaissance music. The stepwise bass descent creates an irresistible gravitational pull that has captivated composers for centuries.

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

Genre: classical, latin   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

A Minor Am – G – F – E – Am E Minor Em – D – C – B – Em B Minor Bm – A – G – F♯ – Bm F♯ Minor F♯m – E – D – C♯ – F♯m C♯ Minor C♯m – B – A – G♯ – C♯m G♯ Minor G♯m – G♭ – E – D♯ – G♯m D Minor Dm – C – B♭ – A – Dm G Minor Gm – F – E♭ – D – Gm C Minor Cm – B♭ – A♭ – G – Cm F Minor Fm – E♭ – D♭ – C – Fm B♭ Minor Bbm – A♭ – G♭ – F – Bbm E♭ Minor Ebm – D♭ – B – B♭ – Ebm

Song Examples