Re# Soleá (Flamenco Cadence)
iv – III – II – I progression in Re# minor
Re# 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 Re# minor
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 Ab to F# (descending whole step), F# to E (descending whole step), E to Eb (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 Eb to Ab by perfect fourth.
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# 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.