B Flamenco Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
B Flamenco Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Flamenco scale is the emotional heart of Spanish music. On Cavaquinho, the notes are B, C, D, D#, F, F#, A. Closely related to the Phrygian system, it is designed to convey deep pathos, rhythmic intensity, and the passionate duende characteristic of traditional guitar styles. Commonly used in Flamenco, Latin, Classical Guitar, World. Notable players include Paco de Lucia, Tomatito, Vicente Amigo, Al Di Meola. Use over flamenco chord progressions (Am-G-F-E type). The scale supports both the melancholic phrygian passages and the explosive major-chord rasgueados.
Notes: B, C, D, D#, F, F#, A
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 3M, 4A, 5P, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 #5 6 b7
Formula: H-W-H-W-H-WH-W
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
Closely related to the Phrygian system but with alterations that create the specific emotional palette of flamenco — deep pathos, rhythmic intensity, and duende (the ineffable spirit of flamenco).
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Flamenco, Latin, Classical Guitar, World
Notable players: Paco de Lucia, Tomatito, Vicente Amigo, Al Di Meola
How to Use the B Flamenco Scale
Use over flamenco chord progressions (Am-G-F-E type). The scale supports both the melancholic phrygian passages and the explosive major-chord rasgueados.
Origin & Background
The sonic DNA of Andalusian flamenco. Evolved from Moorish and Romani musical traditions in southern Spain.
How to Play B Flamenco on Cavaquinho
Begin by locating B on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Flamenco scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The B Flamenco scale contains 2 sharps (D#, F#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the B Flamenco scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Exotic scales like the Flamenco often work best as a melodic layer over a single root drone on B. Let the unique intervals speak for themselves without frequent chord changes. This scale is especially effective in flamenco contexts.
Cavaquinho Tips
Practice the B Flamenco scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a passionate quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The B Flamenco scale contains 7 notes (B, C, D, D#, F, F#, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Cavaquinho with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Flamenco
The B Flamenco scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore B Flamenco Further
- Browse chord progressions
- B Flamenco on Guitar
- B Flamenco on Ukulele
- B Flamenco on Bass
- B Flamenco on Piano