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Classics

Andalusian Cadence

C#m · B · A · G#m

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C#m
vi
B
V
A
IV
G#m
iii
Key
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Andalusian Cadence in E major

Andalusian Cadence is vi · V · IV · iii. In E major that is C#m, B, A, G#m. Iconic descending progression from Spanish and flamenco music. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • Hit the Road Jack · Ray Charles
  • Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
  • White Room · Cream

Why it works

In E major this loop is C#m, B, A, G#m (vi · V · IV · iii). V pulls away from home and wants to resolve. vi adds a minor color. 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 E major

Jump to each shape used in this loop.

C#mBAG#m

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

C major → Am · G · F · EmD major → Bm · A · G · F#mE major → C#m · B · A · G#mF major → Dm · C · Bb · AmG major → Em · D · C · BmA major → F#m · E · D · C#mB major → G#m · F# · E · D#m

Related progressions

Happy Days - 50sMotownSoul BalladAndalusian Cadence (Major)Canon in D

Frequently asked questions

What is the Andalusian Cadence ukulele chord progression?

Andalusian Cadence is the vi–V–IV–iii chord loop. In E major that is C#m, B, A, and G#m. Iconic descending progression from Spanish and flamenco music.

What do the roman numerals mean in Andalusian Cadence?

Roman numerals mark each chord's role in the key, not fixed chord names. Uppercase is major, lowercase is minor. Andalusian Cadence uses vi–V–IV–iii. Change the key and the roles stay; the chord names move with it. In E major you play C#m, B, A, G#m.

How do you practice Andalusian Cadence on ukulele?

Loop C#m, B, A, and G#m. 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 Andalusian Cadence progression?

Songs built on Andalusian Cadence include Hit the Road Jack, Stairway to Heaven, and White Room.

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