Cadences theory
Cadences are chord progressions that signal the end of a musical phrase, creating a sense of resolution or pause.
Types of cadences
Cadences are composed of two subsequent chords that represent degrees of a given scale (see the scales theory section for more information).
Here are four main cadences:
- Perfect Cadence: Degrees V then I
- Plagal Cadence: Degrees IV then I
- Interrupted Cadence: Degrees V then VI
- Half Cadence: Degrees I or II or IV then V
Side note: The perfect, interrupted and half cadences are also respectively called authentic, deceptive and imperfect.