Spanish Guitar Chords | Easy & Sounds Amazing

I think every guitar player should learn as many styles of music as possible. The more styles of music you can play the more well rounded you’ll be. This opens the door to new techniques and creativity. It’s also a fun way to mix things up.

In this guitar lesson, you will learn a Spanish style chord progression. This progression is so common in Flamenco music that it has its own name, The Andalusian Cadence. This can be played in any key and I’ll teach you it in the key of Dm.

Be sure to watch the video for full effect, and to get some bonus embellishments to spice it up even more!

The Beautiful Spanish Chord Progression

The main chord progression is only 4 chords. 4 chords you might have played before. But it’s the order of the chords that give this progression such a beautiful sound.

If you only walk away with some new chords this would be a successful lesson! But I'll show you a fingerpicking pattern and Flamenco strum pattern as well.

The order of the chords for the main progression is Dm-C(add9)-Bb(b5)-A. Don't let the parenthesis fool you, these are pretty easy chords to play.

The Bb(b5) is actually easier to play than a standard Bb barre chord. The Bb barre chord sounds good here too, and if you know it you can play it. But I like the Bb(b5) a bit more, it's a little more exotic sounding. 

Spanish Chords Fingerpicking Pattern

The picking pattern is pretty straightforward. If you haven't learned any fingerpicking before this is a good one to use. Just take it slow and learn it on one chord at a time before connecting chords. You can find this pattern at 5:35 in the video.

By the way, I did include a chord chart for Gm. This can be easily thrown into the chord progression. Here's how I used it in the video's intro:

Dm-C(add9)-Bb(b5)-Gm

A-Bb(b5)-A-Bb(b5)

Spanish Chords Strumming Pattern

Even if you just strummed each chord once it would have a Spanish flair. But I have a fun strumming pattern that amps up the Spanish flair even more! Jump to 15:11 in the video to hear this.

The pattern is a syncopated pattern that's dripping with style. It's a type of Flamenco Tango strum and you don't need a pick for it. This is a little tricky so make sure to take it slow.

Instead of focusing on speed, focus on making the technique smooth. Start with a single chord until it feels a little more natural. 

You'll eventually get to the point where your strumming hand is like a machine, you don't have to think about it. That makes playing a progression with it way easier. It takes time, but it's something to keep in mind.

Break Up Your Practice Routing With Flamenco Chords

I have to say, I love breaking up my normal practice routine with fun lessons like this. If I can find short lessons in something that I’m not too familiar with, it can create more excitement. That excitement can carry me for several days, and get me more excited about playing guitar in general.

I hope this does the same for you. If you enjoyed this lesson, or have any lessons you’d like to see, I’d love it if you left a comment.

For now, I’ll leave you with the inspiration for this lesson, Tango In Paradise from my album Beauty And Fire.

Want to Learn More?

Want to learn more about playing New Flamenco guitar? If you're a RGS Academy member, check out Spanish Guitar For Beginners And Beyond. Includes a FREE course workbook!

Not a member yet? No problem. Sign up here FREE for 14 days. I’m hoping you stick around… but if not, the 2 weeks should be enough time to get the benefit from this lesson.