La Soleá (Flamenco Cadence)
iv – III – II – I progression in La minor
La Soleá (Flamenco Cadence) — iv – III – II – I
The quintessential Solea cadence in E Phrygian (Am-G-F-E). The 'mother palo' of flamenco. Unlike the generic Andalusian cadence, this is analyzed from the Phrygian tonic (I) perspective with the IV chord as 'Gran Tonica' (Great Tonic). The semitone descent from II to I creates the characteristic fatalistic resolution.
Playing in La minor
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 D to C (descending whole step), C to Bb (descending whole step), Bb to A (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 A to D by perfect fourth.
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 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 A 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.