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Ukulalala

Latin

Son Cubano

A · D · E · A

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A
I
D
IV
E
V
A
I
Key
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Son Cubano in A major

Son Cubano is I · IV · V · I. In A major that is A, D, E. Foundation of Cuban son music. Warm and rhythmic. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • Guantanamera · Joseíto Fernández
  • Cielito Lindo · Quirino Mendoza y Cortés

Why it works

In A major this loop is A, D, E (I · IV · V · I). I is the home chord. V pulls away from home and wants to resolve. IV moves the song forward without leaving the key. Play the chords in order and the pattern is easy to hear on ukulele.

Chords in A major

Jump to each shape used in this loop.

ADE

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

C major → C · F · G · CD major → D · G · A · DE major → E · A · B · EF major → F · Bb · C · FG major → G · C · D · GA major → A · D · E · AB major → B · E · F# · B

Related progressions

La BambaBoleroCumbia

Frequently asked questions

What is the Son Cubano ukulele chord progression?

Son Cubano is the I–IV–V–I chord loop. In A major that is A, D, and E. Foundation of Cuban son music. Warm and rhythmic.

What do the roman numerals mean in Son Cubano?

Roman numerals mark each chord's role in the key, not fixed chord names. Uppercase is major, lowercase is minor. Son Cubano uses I–IV–V–I. Change the key and the roles stay; the chord names move with it. In A major you play A, D, E.

How do you practice Son Cubano on ukulele?

Loop A, D, and E. Change on the first beat of each bar and keep the strum steady. If one change is hard, practice that pair slowly, then play the full loop again.

What songs use the Son Cubano progression?

Songs built on Son Cubano include Guantanamera, and Cielito Lindo.

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