Re# Alegrías
I – V7 – I – IV – I – V7 – I progression in Re# major
Re# Alegrías — I – V7 – I – IV – I – V7 – I
Joyful flamenco palo from Cadiz in major mode. Unlike most flamenco which uses the Phrygian mode, Alegrias lives in pure major tonality (typically E major). The 12-beat ternary cycle with accents on 3, 6, 8, 10, 12 shares the solea family rhythmic structure but with a bright, celebratory character.
Playing in Re# major
D# major (Eb) requires barre shapes rooted on the 6th and 5th strings. It is a favorite key for horn players, so guitarists encounter it in funk and soul bands. Using barre chords at frets 1, 3, and 6 covers the primary shapes. D# is a intermediate-advanced-level key on guitar because no standard open strings match this key's chord tones. Expect to rely on barre chords throughout, which builds hand strength and unlocks the entire fretboard.
Voice Leading
The bass line moves through D# to A# (descending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to G# (ascending perfect fourth), G# to D# (descending perfect fourth), D# to A# (descending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth). The root motion by larger intervals (fourths and fifths) gives each chord change a strong, decisive character. When the progression loops, the bass returns from D# to D# by unison.
Capo Transposition
To play in D# using familiar open chords: capo 1 with open D shapes; capo 3 with open C shapes; capo 6 with open A 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
D# 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, D# 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.