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Classics

Andalusian Cadence (Major)

E · D#dim · C#m · B

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E
I
D#dim
vii°
C#m
vi
B
V
Key
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Andalusian Cadence (Major) in E major

Andalusian Cadence (Major) is I · vii° · vi · V. In E major that is E, D#dim, C#m, B. Major-key variant of the Andalusian descent. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • Smooth Criminal · Michael Jackson
  • What Is Life · George Harrison

Why it works

In E major this loop is E, D#dim, C#m, B (I · vii° · vi · V). I is the home chord. V pulls away from home and wants to resolve. vi adds a minor color. 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.

ED#dimC#mB

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

C major → C · Bdim · Am · GD major → D · C#dim · Bm · AE major → E · D#dim · C#m · BF major → F · Edim · Dm · CG major → G · F#dim · Em · DA major → A · G#dim · F#m · EB major → B · A#dim · G#m · F#

Related progressions

Happy Days - 50sMotownSoul BalladAndalusian CadenceCanon in D

Frequently asked questions

What is the Andalusian Cadence (Major) ukulele chord progression?

Andalusian Cadence (Major) is the I–vii°–vi–V chord loop. In E major that is E, D#dim, C#m, and B. Major-key variant of the Andalusian descent.

What do the roman numerals mean in Andalusian Cadence (Major)?

Roman numerals mark each chord's role in the key, not fixed chord names. Uppercase is major, lowercase is minor. Andalusian Cadence (Major) uses I–vii°–vi–V. Change the key and the roles stay; the chord names move with it. In E major you play E, D#dim, C#m, B.

How do you practice Andalusian Cadence (Major) on ukulele?

Loop E, D#dim, C#m, and B. 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 (Major) progression?

Songs built on Andalusian Cadence (Major) include Smooth Criminal, and What Is Life.

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