Flamenco

Explore the harmony, compas, and scales of 9 essential flamenco palos with interactive tools for guitar, piano, bass, ukulele and more.

Flamenco guitar is organized into palos — styles defined by their compas (rhythmic cycle), harmony (Andalusian cadence or major tonality), and scale (Phrygian or major). Each palo has a unique personality.

Interactive Compas

Palos by Family

Soleá Family(ternario · 12 beats)

Soleá
E flamencoternario3/4
IV – III – II – I
Alegrías
E majorternario3/4
I – V7 – I – IV – I – V7 – I
Bulerías
A flamencoternario3/4
IV – III – II – I

Tango Family(cuaternario · 8 beats)

Tangos
A flamencocuaternario4/4
IV – III – II – I

Seguiriya Family

Seguiriya
E flamenco—
IV – III – II – I

Fandango Family

Fandango
E mixedmixto
IV – III – II – I
Taranta
F# flamencolibre
IV – III – II – I
Granaína
B flamencolibre
IV – III – II – I
Malagueña
E flamencolibre
IV – III – II – I

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Andalusian cadence?

The Andalusian cadence (iv-III-II-I) is the fundamental chord progression of flamenco. In E Phrygian: Am-G-F-E. It uses the Dorico Flamenco mode where the I chord is made Major by raising the 3rd.

What is compas in flamenco?

Compas is the rhythmic cycle that defines each flamenco palo. Most palos use a 12-beat cycle (Solea, Bulerias, Alegrias) or 8-beat cycle (Tangos). The accent pattern — not just the time signature — is what distinguishes each style.

What scale is used in flamenco guitar?

The primary flamenco scale is the Phrygian mode (E-F-G-A-B-C-D). When playing over the I chord, the Phrygian Dominant scale (E-F-G#-A-B-C-D) is used, raising the 3rd to match the Major tonic chord.

Related Tools

Explore Flamenco Palos

Discover the harmonic system, compas patterns, and scales of 9 essential flamenco palos — each with interactive tools and in-depth theory.

Soleá Family

Tango Family

Seguiriya Family

Fandango Family