Re Tangos Modern Voicing
II – III – II – I progression in Re minor
Re Tangos Modern Voicing — II – III – II – I
Modern tangos voicing documented by Alejandro Roman. Uses Lydian tensions (#11) on the bII chord and dominant 9th on III: Bb(add#11)-C7(9)-Bb6(add#11)-A(addb9). Represents the jazz-influenced evolution of flamenco harmony.
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 Eb to F (ascending whole step), F to Eb (descending whole step), Eb to D (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 D to Eb by half step.
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
Use D-DU-UDU at 100-120 BPM for a standard pop strum. Accent beats 2 and 4 for a backbeat feel. Vary dynamics between verse (lighter) and chorus (stronger) to build energy.