Re Fandango (Dual Harmony)
iv – III – II – I → VI – IV⁰ – VI – V7 – VI progression in Re minor
Re 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 Re minor
D major is one of guitar's most resonant keys. The open D string acts as a droning root, and the open A string provides the fifth. This gives D-based strumming a wide, ringing quality that flatpicks and fingerpicks love. D is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open D and A strings provide a powerful bass foundation, and the open high E is the 2nd scale degree adding brightness. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.
Voice Leading
The bass line moves through G to F (descending whole step), F to Eb (descending whole step), Eb to D (descending half step), D to Bb (descending major third), Bb to Eb (ascending perfect fourth), Eb to Bb (descending perfect fourth), Bb to F (descending perfect fourth), F to Bb (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 Bb to G by minor third.
Capo Transposition
To play in D using familiar open chords: capo 2 with open C shapes; capo 5 with open A shapes; capo 7 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
D 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 D 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.