The perfect cadence (V-I) is the strongest harmonic resolution, created by the leading tone rising to the tonic

A cadence is the ending pattern of a chord progression — like punctuation in music. The perfect cadence (authentic cadence) progresses from the dominant chord (V or V7) to the tonic (I). It is the strongest possible resolution because: (1) the root moves down a fifth (or up a fourth) — the strongest root movement; (2) the leading tone (7th scale degree) rises by a semitone to the tonic; (3) in V7, the tritone between the 3rd and 7th resolves inward by half-step. The plagal (Amen) cadence: IV-I. The deceptive cadence: V-vi.

Examples

C major: G(7)-C is perfect cadence. F-C is plagal. G-Am is deceptive (vi). Stopping on G alone is a half cadence.

Assessment

Play and identify: G7-C (major); E7-Am (minor); G-Am; F-C. Name each cadence type and describe its feeling of resolution or tension.