C flamenco scale diatonic chords
C flamenco scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
C flamenco scale — chords and intervals
Harmonizing the C flamenco scale produces the passionate chord family at the heart of Spanish guitar music, built on the Phrygian system with a major tonic. The chords of C flamenco are C diminished, Db diminished, Eb minor, E minor augmented, F# major, C minor, Bb diminished. The I-bII-bVII-bVI descending progression is the Andalusian cadence — perhaps the most iconic chord movement in all of Spanish music. These chords convey deep pathos, rhythmic fire, and the duende that defines Flamenco. Commonly used in Flamenco, Latin, Classical Guitar, World. Notable players include Paco de Lucia, Tomatito, Vicente Amigo, Al Di Meola.
The C flamenco scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭2 ♭3 3 ♯4 5 ♭7.
Intervals: H-W-H-W-H-3H-W.
Diatonic chords: C diminished, Db diminished, Eb minor, E minor augmented, F# major, C minor, Bb diminished.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | C diminished |
| ii | Db diminished |
| iii | Eb minor |
| IV | E minor augmented |
| V | F# major |
| vi | C minor |
| vii° | Bb diminished |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (C diminished) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (Db diminished) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Eb minor) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (E minor augmented) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (F# major) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (C minor) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Bb diminished) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the C flamenco scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the C flamenco scale on guitar.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over flamenco chord progressions (Am-G-F-E type). The scale supports both the melancholic phrygian passages and the explosive major-chord rasgueados.