Cadences: musical punctuation

Phrases in music end with cadences, just as sentences end with punctuation. Some sound finished, like a full stop; others sound like a comma.

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What is a cadence?

A cadence is the pair of chords at the end of a phrase.
Cadences are described using the chord numbers I, IV, V and vi (vi is the minor chord on the 6th note of the scale).
In C major: I = C, IV = F, V = G, vi = A minor.

The four cadences

The four main cadences:
CadenceChordsIn C majorSounds like
PerfectV to IG to Cfinished: a full stop
Imperfectends on V (for example I to V)C to Gunfinished: a comma
PlagalIV to IF to Cfinished, but softer
InterruptedV to viG to A minora surprise: we expect I but get vi

Using cadences

A question phrase often ends with an imperfect cadence; the answer phrase ends with a perfect cadence.
The perfect cadence is the strongest ending, so most pieces in major and minor keys end with one.
An interrupted cadence delays the ending and builds suspense.
To hear a cadence: ask, does it sound finished? If yes, is it V to I (perfect) or IV to I (plagal)? If no, does it stop on V (imperfect) or move from V to vi (interrupted)?
Worked example

A phrase in C major ends with the chords G then C. Name the cadence.

  1. In C major, G is chord V and C is chord I.
  2. V to I is a perfect cadence.
  3. It sounds finished, like a full stop.

Answer: A perfect cadence (V to I).

Key idea

A cadence is the pair of chords that ends a phrase. Perfect: V to I (finished). Imperfect: ends on V (unfinished). Plagal: IV to I (softer finish). Interrupted: V to vi (a surprise).

Key words
Cadences
Perfect V to I; imperfect ends on V; plagal IV to I; interrupted V to vi.
Cadence
The pair of chords at the end of a phrase, such as a perfect cadence (V to I).
Chord
Two or more notes played at the same time.
Perfect cadence
Chord V followed by chord I: it sounds finished.
Interrupted cadence
Chord V followed by chord vi: it sounds like a surprise.

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  1. In C major, which chords make a perfect cadence?

    1. F to C
    2. G to C
    3. C to G
    4. G to A minor
    Show the answer

    Answer: G to C

    V to I: G to C.

  2. Which chord does an imperfect cadence end on?

    1. I
    2. V
    3. IV
    4. vi
    Show the answer

    Answer: V

    Ending on V sounds unfinished.

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Last updated 2 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will fix it.