Progression guide
Andalusian Cadence
Learn the descending Andalusian cadence, hear Am–G–F–E, and transpose its minor-key pull into six keys.
The short answer
i–♭VII–♭VI–V in A minor
AmGFE
The roots descend one scale step at a time from i to V. The final major V introduces the raised seventh of harmonic minor, creating a stronger pull back to the minor tonic.
01
Hear the complete progression
Play the whole pattern, then press individual chords to learn its shape.
Am – G – F – E
i–♭VII–♭VI–V in A minor. Each chord lasts the same amount of time.
Sound loads when you first play.
02
How the chords work
The stepwise bass line is easy to hear, while the shift from natural-minor chords to a major dominant adds a clear final tension. The loop feels complete only when V returns to i.
- i establishes the minor tonic and the starting point of the descent.
- ♭VII and ♭VI continue downward using notes from natural minor.
- V is major, borrowing the raised seventh from harmonic minor.
- The return from V to i closes the loop with a strong resolution.
03
The same progression in six keys
The Roman numerals stay fixed while every chord moves with the tonic.
| Tonic | Chords |
|---|---|
| A | AmGFE |
| E | EmDCB |
| D | DmCB♭A |
| G | GmFE♭D |
| C | CmB♭A♭G |
| F | FmE♭D♭C |
Useful variations
- Use a minor v for a softer, fully natural-minor sound.
- Hold V for twice as long to increase the pull before the loop repeats.
- Keep the descending bass but use inversions to make the upper voices move less.
Practice plan
- Play the roots A–G–F–E first and listen to the descending line.
- Compare Em with E major at the end; G♯ is the note that strengthens the return to Am.
- Practice slowly enough to keep common tones held between neighboring chords.