Si Fandango (Dual Harmony)
iv – III – II – I → VI – IV⁰ – VI – V7 – VI progression in Si minor
Si Fandango (Dual Harmony) — iv – III – II – I → VI – IV⁰ – VI – V7 – VI
The Fandango uniquely mixes two harmonic worlds: the Cadencia Andaluza (Phrygian) for instrumental preludes and remates, and Traditional Harmony (major/minor) for the vocal accompaniment. In E: Am-G-F-E (Phrygian intro) → C-F-C-G7-C (major verses) → F-E (Phrygian resolution).
Playing in Si minor
B major mixes barre and open elements. The B chord itself is a barre at fret 2, but E and A are comfortable open chords forming the IV and V. The open B string rings as the root, allowing creative drone-based arrangements. B is a intermediate-level key on guitar because the open B string rings as the root and the open E strings provide the 4th — useful for sus4 voicings and drone effects. This key mixes open and barre shapes, making it a good intermediate challenge that builds fretboard fluency.
Voice Leading
The bass line moves through E to D (descending whole step), D to C (descending whole step), C to B (descending half step), B to G (descending major third), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to G (descending perfect fourth), G to D (descending perfect fourth), D to G (ascending perfect fourth). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. 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 G to E by minor third.
Capo Transposition
To play in B using familiar open chords: capo 2 with open A shapes; capo 4 with open G shapes; capo 7 with open E 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
B 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 B Dorian or harmonic minor to capture the raised 6th or 7th that the chord implies.
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.