Tonás or cantes primitivos, the oldest and most rudimentary style of flamenco singing
Flamenco origin - Flamenco history - Flamenco roots - Flamenco art - The name Flamenco
Flamenco music is grouped into families of different music styles, also known as ‘palos’. This classification is based on the content of their lyrics or verses, their rhythm or compas, on their melodies and key or tonality. Some palos originate from certain provinces of Andalusia while others originated from outside the borders of Andalusia. Most flamenco music styles are based on a 12 beat rhythmic pattern, marked by accented claps. Other palos are founded exclusively on 4 beat patterns. For some specific flamenco styles, such as Seguiriya, flamenco artists are strictly bound to respect the specific style characteristics. Other flamenco styles like Bulerías offer more freedom of execution.
Flamenco palos classifications:
Cante Flamenco Gitano - Gypsy styles |
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Original styles developed by the Gitanos, characterized by profound and deep vocals |
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Group |
Palo |
Rhythm - Compás |
Traditional Key |
| A cappella | Tonas | Free form | - |
| A cappella | Martinetes | 12 beat |
- |
| A cappella | Debla | Free form | - |
| A cappella | Carceleras | Free form | - |
| A cappella | Saetas | Free form | - |
| A cappella | Tona liviana | 12 beat |
- |
| A cappella | Trilla or Trilleras | Free form | - |
| Soleares | Solea | 12 beat |
E Phrygian |
| Soleares | Solea por buleria | 12 beat |
A Phrygian |
| Soleares | Bambera | 12 beat |
E Phrygian |
| Soleares | Bulerias | 12 beat |
A, E, Em, A phrygian, E phrygian |
| Soleares | Cana | 12 beat |
E Phrygian |
| Soleares | Polo | 12 beat |
E Phrygian |
| Seguiriya | Serrana | 12 beat |
E Phrygian |
| Seguiriya | Cabales | 12 beat |
A |
| Seguiriya | Livianas | 12 beat |
E Phrygian |
| Seguiriya | Seguiriya | 12 beat |
A Phrygian |
Cante Flamenco Andaluz - Andalusian styles |
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Styles originated from Andalusian and Latin American folk songs, characterized by more refined vocals |
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Group |
Palo |
rhythm - Compás |
Traditional Key |
| Fandangos | Fandangos | 12 beat ternary | E Phrygian |
| Fandangos | Verdiales / Abandolaos | 12 beat ternary | E Phrygian |
| Fandangos | Rondenas (fromRonda) | Free form | C# Phrygian |
| Fandangos | Malaguenas (from Malaga) | Free form | E Phrygian |
| Fandangos | Fandangos naturales | 12 beat | E Phrygian |
| Fandangos | Granainas / Media granaina | Free form | B Phrygian |
| Fandangos | Jaberas | 12 beat | B |
| Cantes de levante | Tarantas | Free form | F# Phrygian |
| Cantes de levante | Taranto | 4 beat binary | F# Phrygian |
| Cantes de levante | Cartageneras (from Cartagena) | Free form | F# Phrygian |
| Cantes de levante | Minera (Mining song) | Free form | G# Phrygian |
| Cantes de levante | Murciana (from Murcia) | Free form | F# Phrygian |
| Cantes de levante | Levantica | Free form | F# Phrygian |
| De ida y vuelta | Colombiana | 4 beat binary | A,D |
| De ida y vuelta | Guajiras | 12 beat | A, D |
| De ida y vuelta | Milonga | 4 beat binary | - |
| De ida y vuelta | Vidalita | 4 beat binary | - |
| De ida y vuelta | Rumbas | 4 beat binary | Am, Em A, and E |
| Tangos | Tientos | 4 beat binary | A Phrygian |
| Tangos | Tangos | 4 beat binary | A, E, A Phrygian |
| Tangos | Tanguillos | 4 beat binary | A, E |
| Tangos | Farruca | 4 beat binary | Am |
| Tangos | Garrotin | 4 beat binary | C, A |
| Tangos | Marianas | 4 beat binary | A Phrygian, E Phrygian |
| Cantinas | Caracoles | 12 beat | C |
| Cantinas | Mirabras | 12 beat | Am, Em, A, E |
| Cantinas | Romeras (Pilgrim songs) | 12 beat | E |
| Cantinas | Alegrias | 12 beat | A |
| Cantes Aflamencados | Zambras | 4 beat binary | Am, E Phrygian, Dm |
| Cantes Aflamencados | Nanas | Free form | - |
| Cantes Aflamencados | Campanilleros | 12 beat | Am |
| Cantes Aflamencados | Sevillanas (from Seville) | 12 beat ternary | Any key |