Uploaded May 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
What is a Perfect Cadence?
A perfect cadence is the progression of two chords: the fifth degree of the scale (V - Dominant) and the first degree of the scale (I - Tonic). This chord progression ends a musical phrase and creates a sense of resolution.
In a perfect cadence, both dominant and tonic chords are in root position, therefore the bass notes are the fifth and the first degree of tonality. The tonic should also be in the highest voice of the last chord.
A perfect cadence can be preceded by a predominant chord such as subdominant (IV), Neapolitan sixth, etc.
In this example, we have a perfect cadence in the tonality of C major:
Dominant (V): G-D-G-B
Tonic (I): C-E-G-C
As heard at the end of the video, the cadence creates a sense of harmonic and melodic closure.
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What is a Perfect Cadence?
A perfect cadence is the progression of two chords: the fifth degree of the scale (V - Dominant) and the first degree of the scale (I - Tonic). This chord progression ends a musical phrase and creates a sense of resolution.
In a perfect cadence, both dominant and tonic chords are in root position, therefore the bass notes are the fifth and the first degree of tonality. The tonic should also be in the highest voice of the last chord.
A perfect cadence can be preceded by a predominant chord such as subdominant (IV), Neapolitan sixth, etc.
In this example, we have a perfect cadence in the tonality of C major:
Dominant (V): G-D-G-B
Tonic (I): C-E-G-C
As heard at the end of the video, the cadence creates a sense of harmonic and melodic closure.
Membership:
If you like my videos and would like to support me, please consider joining my channel, you will also get access to perks and exclusive videos. To join my channel please click on the Join button next to Subscribe, or follow this link:
youtube.com/channel/UCUhfJn88d32udI3ePN9V15A/join
#Shorts
