i - VII - VI - V

Also known as the Andalusian cadence.

A descending progression rooted in flamenco and in classical practice going back centuries, walking down by step from the tonic through the flattened seventh and sixth degrees before landing on a major V. The dramatic, slightly fatalistic pull of that descent has made it a favorite well beyond its Spanish origins, in everything from rock to film scoring.

Hear it in different keys

In A minor

im Am VII G VI F V E

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In E minor

im Em VII D VI C V B

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Heard in

Famous songs built on this progression. Learn the loop above and you can play along with them.

Hit the Road Jack — Ray Charles
Sultans of Swing — Dire Straits

Each key above has a MIDI download with every chord played back to back, ready to drop into any DAW or notation program.

Roman numerals show scale degree and quality: uppercase for major, lowercase for minor, a small circle for diminished. Tap any chord above to open its full page, with a diagram and playback.