La Alegrías Extended
iii – IV – V – IV – I – V7 – I progression in La major
La Alegrías Extended — iii – IV – V – IV – I – V7 – I
Extended Alegrias variation starting from the iii chord (G#m in E major). Creates a richer harmonic journey through IV and V before resolving. Documented by Granados as one of the characteristic harmonic structures for concert guitar alegrias.
Playing in La major
A major is a rock and blues cornerstone. The open A string delivers a strong root, while both E strings ring as the fifth. Classic A-D-E progressions practically play themselves with open cowboy chords. The open high E is the fifth, reinforcing power. A is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open A string is the root and the open E strings provide the fifth above and below, creating a massive low-end anchor. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.
Voice Leading
The bass line moves through C# to D (ascending half step), D to E (ascending whole step), E to D (descending whole step), D to A (descending perfect fourth), A to E (descending perfect fourth), E to A (ascending perfect fourth). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The mix of stepwise and leap motion balances smoothness with harmonic drive. When the progression loops, the bass returns from A to C# by major third.
Capo Transposition
To play in A using familiar open chords: capo 2 with open G shapes; capo 5 with open E shapes; capo 7 with open D 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
A major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, A Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.
Strumming Pattern
Try a D-D-DU waltz pattern at 80-100 BPM. Accent beat 1 strongly and keep beats 2-3 lighter. For fingerpicking, use a bass-pluck-pluck pattern with alternating bass notes.