Andalusian Cadence (i bVII bVI V)
The Andalusian cadence is the chord progression i-bVII-bVI-V. In the key of C minor it is Cm Bb Ab G, and in the Nashville Number System it is written 1m b7 b6 5.
Chords from outside the key of C minor: G.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
The Andalusian cadence: a descending tetrachord in the bass, i-bVII-bVI-V, from natural minor, with a major V at the end that adds the raised leading tone. In flamenco it is heard as resolving down to the V, which acts as a Phrygian tonic. In a major key the same chords read vi-V-IV-III.
How to use it
This is commonly known as the Andalusian cadence or flamenco progression, as it is based on the scales of that genre. The chords make a great descending bass line, which made it popular in a lot of rock and pop songs.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit the Road Jack | Ray Charles | intro, verse and chorus | Am G F E7 | A minor |
| Happy Together | The Turtles | verse | Em D C B (shapes) | F# minor |
| Good Vibrations | The Beach Boys | verse | Dm C Bb A (shapes) | Eb minor |
| Feels Like the First Time | Foreigner | interlude | Em D C Bsus4 B | E minor |
Keep learning
Andalusian Cadence: Chords and Audio in C, G, D, A and E
Press play to hear each key. The diagrams show the shapes used in the audio, and every chord links to its full page.
More progressions like this one
- i-iv-v: Cm Fm Gm
- i-bIII-iv-v: Cm Eb Fm Gm
- i-bVII-v-bVI: Cm Bb Gm Ab
- i-bIII-bVI-V: Cm Eb Ab G
All guitar chord progressions →
Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
FAQ
What are the chords of the Andalusian cadence in each key?
In C minor: Cm Bb Ab G. In G minor: Gm F Eb D. In D minor: Dm C Bb A. In A minor: Am G F E. In E minor: Em D C B.
Which songs use the Andalusian cadence?
Songs that use it include Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles, Happy Together by The Turtles, Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys.
