What chords are in the i – VII – VI – V progression in C?

The i – VII – VI – V progression in C uses these chords: Cm, Bb, Ab, G (degrees: i, VII, VI, V).

What emotion does the Andalusian Cadence progression create?

The Andalusian Cadence progression evokes tension & drama. It is a World / Flamenco style progression.

What famous songs use the Andalusian Cadence progression?

The Andalusian Cadence (i – VII – VI – V) progression is used in songs such as: Hit the Road Jack – Ray Charles, Sultans of Swing – Dire Straits, Hava Nagila – Traditional, Runaway – Del Shannon.

What genre is the Andalusian Cadence progression from?

The Andalusian Cadence progression is characteristic of World / Flamenco music. It evokes tension & drama and is widely used in composition and improvisation.

Do Andalusian Cadence

i – VII – VI – V progression in Do minor

Chords

Triads7th Chords

Harmony

Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.

iDom

VIISi♭

VILa♭

VSol

BPM: 120

Triad Diagrams — Do Andalusian Cadence (Guitar)

Chord Voicings Closest Voicing

Do Andalusian Cadence — i – VII – VI – V

The C Andalusian Cadence (Cm – Bb – Ab – G) descends through i–VII–VI–V using Phrygian Dominant and Harmonic Minor scales — the harmonic foundation of Flamenco and Spanish classical music. The Double Harmonic Major scale adds extra exotic color over the major V chord. With seventh voicings (Cm7 – Bb7 – AbMaj7 – G7), the tension between ancient modal color and tonal resolution deepens.

Playing in Do minor

With no sharps or flats, C major is the theoretical home base on guitar. The open G, B, and high E strings all belong to the C major chord, creating natural sustain. C is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open B and high E strings ring within the scale, and every basic chord uses familiar open shapes. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through C to Bb (descending whole step), Bb to Ab (descending whole step), Ab to G (descending half step). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The predominantly stepwise bass motion creates smooth, connected voice leading. When the progression loops, the bass returns from G to C by perfect fourth.

Capo Transposition

To play in C using familiar open chords: capo 3 with open A shapes; capo 5 with open G shapes. Choose the capo position that gives you the voicings you prefer — lower capo positions produce a fuller sound, while higher positions create a brighter, mandolin-like timbre.

Scales for Soloing

C minor pentatonic is your safest starting point because all five notes are chord tones or stable tensions within the natural minor harmony. When a dominant seventh chord appears, switch briefly to C Dorian or harmonic minor to capture the raised 6th or 7th that the chord implies.

Strumming Pattern

Use D-DU-UDU at 100-120 BPM for a standard pop strum. Accent beats 2 and 4 for a backbeat feel. Vary dynamics between verse (lighter) and chorus (stronger) to build energy.

World / FlamencoTension & Drama4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): Dom, Si♭, La♭, Sol.

Chords (7th): Dom7, Si♭7, La♭Maj7, Sol7.

Famous songs using this progression

Hit the Road Jack – Ray Charles
Sultans of Swing – Dire Straits
Hava Nagila – Traditional
Runaway – Del Shannon