Just as a sentence needs a period, a comma, or a question mark to make sense, a musical phrase needs a cadence. A cadence is a two-chord progression that concludes a phrase, section, or an entire piece of music. In this guide, we'll break down the four main types of cadences and the "feeling" each one creates.

1. Authentic Cadence (The Period)

The Authentic Cadence is the strongest and most final. It consists of the V (Dominant) chord moving to the I (Tonic). It feels like a logical conclusion—a definitive "end of the story."

• Perfect Authentic Cadence (PAC): The strongest version, where both chords are in root position and the tonic is the highest note.
• Imperfect Authentic Cadence (IAC): A slightly softer version where one of the chords is inverted or the tonic is not the highest note.

2. Half Cadence (The Question Mark)

A Half Cadence ends on the V (Dominant) chord. It feels unfinished, stable but incomplete—as if the music is asking a question and waiting for an answer. It's most commonly used at the end of the first half of a musical section.

3. Plagal Cadence (The "Amen")

Commonly found at the end of hymns, the Plagal Cadence moves from the IV (Subdominant) to the I (Tonic). It has a gentle, peaceful resolution. It doesn't have the same "push" as the Authentic cadence because it lacks the leading tone (the 7th degree) resolving to the tonic.

4. Deceptive Cadence (The Plot Twist)

A Deceptive Cadence begins like an Authentic cadence (starting on V) but instead of going to I, it goes somewhere else—most often to vi. It "deceives" the listener's ear, extending the music and adding dramatic surprise.

Summary

Understanding cadences is key to creating structural flow in your music. By choosing the right "punctuation," you control the listener's sense of tension, resolution, and arrival.