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The problem it solves
You need a reliable way to close a musical idea so the listener clearly feels they have reached the end.
Detailed theory
Key idea
It is the strongest close in tonal harmony: V → I.
It works because the dominant carries tension and the tonic resolves it into rest.
Understand it
The dominant (V) is the chord built on the fifth degree of the scale; in C major it is G major. It contains the leading tone (the note B, the seventh degree), which pulls toward the tonic.
When V moves to I, the leading tone rises a semitone to the tonic (B→C) and, if the dominant carries a seventh (V7), that seventh steps down by step. This voice motion makes the arrival at the tonic feel inevitable.
In degrees it is written V → I, often V7 → I. In C major: G(7) → C. It is the formula that closes most tonal phrases and pieces.
An analogy: it is like a question and its answer. The dominant leaves the phrase "up in the air" (the question) and the tonic answers and closes, like the full stop at the end of a sentence.
Interval distance
El motor de la cadència: la sensible (Si) és a només un semitò de la tònica (C) i hi 'cau'. Aquesta atracció fa que el final soni inevitable.
How to recognise it
How it's written
It is marked with roman numerals at the end of a phrase: V → I, or V7 → I. The V is written in uppercase (a major chord) and often with a 7 if it is a dominant with a seventh.
How it feels
Listen to how the second-to-last chord asks and the last one answers: tension reaching rest, like placing a full stop.
Common mistake
Seeing the chords as a list of notes rather than a sequence of functions (tension and rest).
Confusing the authentic cadence (V→I, strong ending) with the plagal one (IV→I, gentler) or with the half cadence, which ends on V.
Try it
Play G major and then C major and notice the sense of closing.
Try ending on G major (the dominant) instead of C: the phrase is left open, unresolved.
On the instrument
Chord progression
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In C major, the dominant (V = G major) creates tension and resolves to the tonic (I = C major): the authentic cadence. Listen to how the second chord closes the phrase.
Where it's used
- Ending a song
- Giving a sense of definitive ending.
- Confirming the key
- Making clear which is the tonal centre.
- Creating progressions with direction and closure.
- Analysing functions and cadences regardless of the key.
Examples
Chord progression
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The authentic cadence within a full progression: I - IV - V - I. The final V → I is what gives the sense of completion.
Chord progression
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Compare: if you end on V (G), the phrase is left open — it is a half cadence, not an ending.
Exercises
Does it end at home? (authentic cadence)
Decide whether the sequence ends with an authentic cadence.
Complete 6 attempts · 70% accuracy to pass
Mini test
Check that you've got it.
0/8 answeredQuestion 1/8
Which two chords form an authentic cadence?