Some basic music theory for flamenco

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Thomas Whiteley

Posts: 786
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: San Francisco Bay Area

Some basic music theory for flamenco

This is limited to E Phrygian and was inspired when I began to think about the structure of a Soleares falseta I play compared to basic theory and the structure of Soleares in general.

Flamenco music and classical music theory do not always agree but there is some relationship.

If you play the Chording Compas and llamada listed below you will recognize the "flavor" of a basic Soleares.

Chords and Roman Numerals

I = E
II = F7
III = G7
IV = Am

Chording Compas

II, I
or
FM7, E

We may also use F in place of FM7

Cierra or llamada (Andalusian Candance)

IV, III, II, I
or
Am, G7, F7, E

Another combination I was just thinking about mentioned above adds some interest to the fact that we are using other Chords that is VI and VII in this case. The chords used are therefore: I, II, III, IV, VI and VII.

We add:
VI = C
VII = Dm

V = B7 is not used in this example.

The progression for the falseta.
IV, V, II, I
I, VII, VI, I
I, VII, VI, I
IV, III, II, I
or
Am, C, F7, E
E, Dm, C, E
E, Dm, C, E
Am, G7, F, E

Perhaps no one else on the face of the earth is interested in this startling discovery. This is what happens when you are an electronics engineer/programmer who plays flamenco music (and other types as well).

_____________________________

Tom
http://home.comcast.net/~flamencoguitar/flamenco.html

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 28 2003 19:17:05

gerundino63

Posts: 1743
Joined: Jul. 11 2003
From: The Netherlands

RE: Some basic music theory for flamenco (in reply to Thomas Whiteley)

Hi Tom!

As allways very interesting!

Can you explain to me why you use Roman Numerals?
I never heared of that, is that somewhere or sometimes common used?
( like the Spanards use do, re, mi fa, sol?)
I only know Roman Numerals are used for the fretposition.

Greetings, Peter.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 28 2003 20:04:41

Miguel de Maria

Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ

RE: Some basic music theory for flamenco (in reply to Thomas Whiteley)

Tom,
I wonder.... I am familiar with the scale degrees and associated chords, but it looks funny to me how you write it. I wonder if a new system should be made, since flamenco functions so differently. In the solea, the F functions as a V would in classical, no? Just for example.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 28 2003 20:20:05

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 29 2003 0:05:02

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 29 2003 0:06:41