Well-known examples of songs with the Andalusian cadence include “Hit the Road Jack,” “Runaway” by Del Shannon, “Walk, Don’t Run” by the Ventures, “Stray Cat Strut,” “Happy Together,” “Sultans of Swing” and the chorus of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” The Andalusian cadence is a progression of four chords that step downward, i–♭VII–♭VI–V in a minor key. In A minor that is A minor, G, F, E.
The name comes from flamenco, but the progression goes back to the Renaissance and became one of the most popular progressions in classical music before it reached pop and rock. Despite the name, it is not a true cadence: instead of ending a phrase once, it is usually repeated over and over as an ostinato. Here are 12 examples.
1. “Hit the Road Jack” (Ray Charles)
The descending four-chord progression is the primary structure of “Hit the Road Jack.” Because it loops for most of the song, it is one of the easiest places to learn the sound: listen for the bass stepping down four times and starting again.
2. “Runaway” (Del Shannon)
“Runaway” is the rock example most often given for the Andalusian cadence. It shows how a progression with flamenco roots fits naturally into early-1960s pop.
3. “Walk, Don’t Run” (The Ventures)
The Ventures’ 1960 instrumental hit used the bass structure of the Andalusian cadence. There is a twist: the first chord is A major, not A minor, as is often assumed. So the song borrows the falling bass line while changing the color of the opening chord.
4. “Stray Cat Strut” (The Stray Cats)
The Stray Cats’ song is one of the notable rock examples. Its minor-key, step-by-step descent suits the song’s slinking character.
5. “Good Vibrations” (The Beach Boys)
“Good Vibrations” is also among the notable examples from popular music. It is a useful reminder that the progression turns up in very different styles, not only in Spanish-flavored songs.
6. “Like a Hurricane” (Neil Young)
Neil Young’s song uses the progression as well. Because the cadence is built to repeat, it suits long songs that return to the same chord loop.
7. “Happy Together” (The Turtles)
The Turtles’ hit is another standard example. Listen for the minor chord at the start of the pattern and the major chord it lands on four steps later.
8. “California Dreamin'” (The Mamas and the Papas)
“California Dreamin'” (1965) uses a variation of the cadence in which two of the chords change places. It keeps the minor, downward-moving feel even though the order is not textbook.
9. “Sultans of Swing” (Dire Straits)
“Sultans of Swing” rounds out the classic rock examples. Listen for the same four-step descent in a sparse, guitar-led arrangement.
10. “Smooth Criminal” (Michael Jackson)
The Andalusian cadence is featured in the chorus of “Smooth Criminal,” where its minor-key descent adds tension to an otherwise dance-driven track.
11. “Entre dos Aguas” (Paco de Lucía)
Paco de Lucía’s signature track brings the progression back to flamenco, where it got its name. The cadence forms the basis of its middle section, played in the key of E minor.
12. “I Am the Walrus” (The Beatles)
The rideout of “I Am the Walrus” opens with what might be called a double Andalusian cadence in the bass: E, D, C, B, then A, G, F, E. After eight measures the cycle shifts by a step, so the ending is a creative extension of the pattern rather than a plain loop.
How to Recognize the Andalusian Cadence
- Four chords stepping down. The bass moves by step: A, G, F, E in A minor.
- Minor start, major finish. The last chord is major (E major in A minor). That raised note is what gives the loop its Spanish sound.
- It repeats. Most songs loop the progression rather than using it once at the end of a phrase.
Final Thoughts
The Andalusian cadence is easy to hear once you know it: a minor chord, then three more chords walking down to a major one, repeated. Start with “Hit the Road Jack” and “Runaway,” then try spotting it in the other songs on this list.
Related
- Complete List of The Mamas and the Papas Members
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