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)
Tango Family(cuaternario · 8 beats)
Seguiriya Family
Fandango Family
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
- Chord Progressions — includes flamenco category
- Flamenco Licks — falsetas and picados
- Guitar Scales — Phrygian, Phrygian dominant and more