The Andalusian Cadence: Unlocking the Haunting Power of the i-VII-VI-V Progression
b4n1
July 15, 2025, 6:01 a.m.
The Andalusian Cadence: Unlocking the Haunting Power of the i-VII-VI-V Progression
Summary:
The Andalusian cadence is a powerful and evocative chord progression, defined by a descending bassline that moves from the minor tonic to the dominant: i-VII-VI-V. Famous for its use in Spanish flamenco, this progression's haunting, passionate, and exotic sound has made it a favorite in genres spanning from classical and rock to film scores and heavy metal.
Keywords:
Andalusian cadence, i-VII-VI-V progression, flamenco harmony, Phrygian harmony, descending bassline, lament bass, minor key harmony, Spanish music theory, modal harmony
Introduction: A Sound of Passion and Mystery
Few chord progressions are as instantly recognizable and emotionally potent as the Andalusian cadence. Named for the Andalusia region of Southern Spain, it is the harmonic soul of flamenco music. Yet, its influence stretches far beyond the Iberian Peninsula, appearing anywhere a composer wants to evoke a sense of drama, fate, passion, or exoticism. From the Baroque era to modern rock anthems, this four-chord sequence has a timeless appeal that continues to captivate listeners.
Decoding the Harmony: A Tale of Two Keys
The genius of the Andalusian cadence lies in its harmonic ambiguity. It can be interpreted in two different ways, and its unique sound comes from the listener hearing both possibilities at once.
1. The Minor Key Perspective (i-VII-VI-V):
In a minor key, the progression is analyzed as i-VII-VI-V. Let's use the key of A minor. The chords are derived from different forms of the minor scale:
- i (Am): The tonic minor chord (from A Natural Minor: A-B-C-D-E-F-G).
- VII (G): A major chord built on the 7th degree (from A Natural Minor).
- VI (F): A major chord built on the 6th degree (from A Natural Minor).
- V (E): A major chord built on the 5th degree. This is the crucial part! To create a strong "dominant" pull back to the tonic (Am), we borrow the G# from the A Harmonic Minor scale (A-B-C-D-E-F-G#). This raised 7th degree (G#) is the leading tone, making the E chord major (E-G#-B) and creating powerful tension.
Andalusian Cadence in A Minor (with Dominant V)
This example shows the standard progression with the bass descending A-G-F-E. Note the G# in the final E major chord, which strengthens its dominant function.
2. The Phrygian Mode Perspective (iv-III-II-I):
The progression's "Spanish" sound comes from its strong connection to the Phrygian mode. If we re-center our thinking around the final chord (E) as the tonic, the progression becomes iv-III-II-I in E Phrygian (E-F-G-A-B-C-D). The defining feature of the Phrygian mode is the half-step between the first and second degrees (E and F). Our progression (Am-G-F-E) perfectly highlights this descending Phrygian tetrachord (A-G-F-E), with the F-E step creating the signature dramatic flavor. In this context, the E chord feels like a point of arrival, not a point of tension.
The Beauty of Voice Leading
The progression's power is amplified by its exceptionally smooth voice leading. The bassline's stepwise descent (A-G-F-E) provides a strong, grounding foundation. Above it, the upper voices can move in contrary motion, creating an elegant and satisfying harmonic journey. This internal logic is what makes the progression feel so inevitable and compelling.
Example of Smooth Voice Leading (SATB Style)
Notice how the bass descends while the inner voices move by small steps, creating a seamless connection between chords.
Historical Context and The Lament Bass
The Andalusian cadence has its roots in the rich cultural blend of medieval Spain, absorbing influences from Iberian, Moorish (Islamic) , and Sephardic Jewish musical traditions. Before it became synonymous with flamenco, a related progression known as the "Lament Bass" was popular in the Baroque era. The Lament Bass features a descending chromatic bassline from the tonic to the dominant (e.g., A-G#-G-F#-F-E) and was used to signify grief and sorrow, most famously in Henry Purcell's "Dido's Lament" and the "Crucifixus" from Bach's Mass in B Minor. The Andalusian cadence can be seen as a diatonic, more rhythmically charged cousin of this sorrowful progression.
Famous Examples Across Genres
In Classical Music:
While many Baroque "lament" pieces share its spirit, the true Andalusian cadence shines in music inspired by Spain:
- Isaac Albéniz's "Asturias (Leyenda)": A quintessential example for piano and guitar, built almost entirely around the progression in E minor.
- Georges Bizet's "Carmen": The famous "Habanera" uses a descending chromatic line that evokes the same Andalusian spirit.
- Manuel de Falla's "El Amor Brujo": Full of authentic flamenco harmony, featuring the cadence prominently.
In Modern Music:
The progression's dramatic flair made it a natural fit for rock, pop, and metal:
- The Doors - "The End": The brooding, hypnotic intro uses the progression to build an atmosphere of dread.
- Ray Charles - "Hit the Road Jack": A classic pop example of the descending Am-G-F-E progression.
- Sting - "Desert Rose": Used to create the track's signature Middle Eastern and North African atmosphere.
- Metallica - "Master of Puppets": The clean, melodic interlude is a powerful use of the cadence in a heavy metal context.
Variations and Extensions
Composers rarely use the same four chords on a loop. A common technique is to increase the tension by altering the final V chord into a dominant seventh (V7). This adds another layer of dissonance that begs for resolution back to the tonic (i).
Variation with a Dominant 7th Chord (V7)
In A minor, the E major chord becomes an E7 (E-G#-B-D). The addition of the D creates a tritone with the G#, intensifying the pull back to Am.
Tips for Composers and Performers
Whether writing with or playing this progression, focus on what makes it special:
- Emphasize the Bassline: The descending A-G-F-E is the progression's backbone. Make sure it's heard clearly.
- Highlight the "Phrygian" Half-Step: The melodic move from F to E (in A minor) is the money-maker. Emphasize this step in your melody or improvisation to bring out the Spanish flavor.
- Vary the Rhythm: Use flamenco-inspired rhythms like the tresillo (3+3+2) or syncopation to give the progression life and avoid monotony.
- Use Dynamics: Build tension through the four chords. A crescendo leading into the V chord can be incredibly effective before resolving back to the quiet i chord.
- For Guitarists: The keys of A minor (Am-G-F-E) and E minor (Em-D-C-B7) are particularly effective on guitar, as they make use of open strings for resonance.
Conclusion: An Enduring Legacy
The Andalusian cadence is more than just a sequence of four chords; it's a piece of cultural history, a tool for emotional expression, and a bridge between different musical worlds. Its power comes from its dual identity—caught between a minor key and the Phrygian mode—and its flawlessly logical descending motion. By understanding its structure, origins, and applications, you gain a powerful tool for your own musical vocabulary, capable of expressing some of music's most profound emotions.
References:
Tagg, Philip. (2014). Everyday Tonality II. Mass Media Music Scholars' Press.
Manuel, Peter. (1989). Andalusian, Gypsy, and Class Identity in the Contemporary Flamenco Complex. Ethnomusicology, 33(1), 47-65.
Kostka, Stefan & Payne, Dorothy. (2012). Tonal Harmony. McGraw-Hill.
Walser, Robert. (1993). Running with the Devil: Power, Gender, and Madness in Heavy Metal Music. Wesleyan University Press.
