Cadence
A harmonic or melodic formula that marks the end of a phrase, section, or piece.
Category
harmony
Pronunciation
KAY-dens
Origin
Latin (cadentia, falling)
Length
131 words · 1 min read
About Cadence
A cadence is a point of arrival or rest in music, created by a specific sequence of chords. The four main cadence types in Western tonal music are: perfect (V–I, strong conclusion), plagal (IV–I, the "Amen" cadence), imperfect (ending on V, open and unresolved), and interrupted/deceptive (V–vi, surprise redirection).
More harmony terms
Chord
View all harmonyterms →Three or more notes sounded simultaneously
ConsonanceIntervals or chords perceived as stable, restful, and complete.
Seventh ChordA four-note chord adding a seventh above the root to a triad
DissonanceIntervals or chords perceived as tense, unstable, and seeking resolution.
InversionThe process of flipping an interval or rearranging the notes of a chord so a different note is in the bass.
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →