Cadences in Music Theory

A chord progression from the IV chord to the I chord.

A chord progression from the V chord to the I chord, creating a definitive sense of rest.

A chord progression from the I chord to the V chord, creating tension.

A chord progression from the V chord to the VI chord, creating an unresolved feeling.

It becomes a minor chord (v).

It remains a major chord (V).

It becomes a diminished chord.

It is omitted entirely.

It creates a stronger sense of finality and resolution.

It is often used to introduce tension before a major climax.

It provides a more subdued and less definitive sense of resolution.

It is exclusively used in minor keys.

IV - I

V - i

iv - i

V - VI

V - I

V - vi

IV - I

ii - V

It resolves to the tonic chord.

It moves from the subdominant to the tonic.

It ends on the dominant chord, leaving a sense of unresolving.

It uses a minor subdominant chord.

Both chords are in root position, and the highest voice of the I chord is the tonic note.

Both chords are in root position, and the highest voice of the V chord is the tonic note.

The V chord is inverted, and the highest voice of the I chord is the tonic note.

The I chord is inverted, and the highest voice of the V chord is the tonic note.

C - F - G - C

Ab - Bb - C

C - Ab - Bb - C

Am - G - F - E