Chord progressions
The Andalusian cadence (i–VII–VI–V)
The Andalusian cadence steps down from the minor home chord through VII and VI to a major V: i–VII–VI–V. In A minor it is Am – G – F – E.
Hear it, then play it
Play each chord in turn: press all of its notes, in any order and any octave, before moving on. The chords are in A minor.
Play Am (0 of 4 chords done)
Why it works
The bass walks straight down the scale, A – G – F – E, and the last chord is major (E, not Em) because it borrows the raised seventh of the harmonic minor scale. That G♯ pulls hard back to A, so the loop wants to start again.
Where you hear it
It is the signature sound of flamenco, and pop has used it too: "Hit the Road Jack" by Ray Charles and "Runaway" by Del Shannon are built on it.