What is Andalucían cadence?

This sounds a bit complicated when you read it, but not when you play it. When you pick up a guitar and play the chords you'll recognize the Spanish-sounding harmony. Maybe you already play some music that uses this sequence.

The Andalucían cadence is a descending semitone ending used a lot in flamenco, in melodies based on the phrygian mode. (If you play a major scale but start on the 3rd note, you are playing the phrygian scale)

When playing por arriba, for example por soleá, the principal chords are A minor, G Major, F major, E major.

When playing por medio, for example por siguiriya, the principal chords are D minor, C7, B flat Major, A major.

If you play these chords you'll hear the characteristic descending scale that sounds so Spanish, and the semitone ending which does not seem to "resolve" as major and minor scales do. To flamenco ears, though, it is a satisfying resolution.

A good flamenco guitarist is likely to embellish and alter these chords in many imaginative ways to enrich his playing. They are not necessarily played in the order given above, and many other chords are used in passing. Flamenco also uses the standard major and minor keys, but the andalucían cadence is the one that makes you think "Spain!"

Of course what really makes flamenco playing sound flamenco are the amazing right hand techniques. It's impossible to explain them on a web site. Come to Spain for lessons and you'll be on your way!

Why go to Spain?

What is compás?

What are palos?

What are falsetas?

What's the difference between a flamenco guitar and a classical guitar?

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