How does a guitarist end a song? Cadences are usually used for this purpose. They are used in the context of a chord progression. Cadences are simple two-chord-formulas that all guitarists should be familiar with.
What is a Cadence?
A cadence is two chords played in sequence that imply the end (or a new beginning) of a section of music. It turns out, that most cadences end on either the V or I chord.
The cadence two-chord-formula is intended to happen within a specific chord progression ( or musical idea). It is used to stop, start, or pause a guitarist’s musical idea. Cadences either create tension or resolve a musical idea. If used effectively, cadences create pleasing form and structure to a song.
The basic (or traditional) cadences are the following (Example in the key of C major. Chords in the key of C major -- ordered 1 to 7: C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim -- or Bm is acceptable in some cases, instead of B diminished):
- Authentic Cadence: 5 to 1 (or V to I)....................................G to C
- Deceptive Cadence: 5 to any chord except I........................G to Am
- Half Cadence: Any Chord to 5.............................................C to G
- Plagal Cadence: 4 to I..........................................................F to C
The Authentic Cadence is good for a guitarist to use when they want to end a musical phrase. This is the strongest cadence. All guitarist should be familiar with the following chord-cadence-formulas:
- V to I (in major keys). Examples: G to C; B to E; E to A; A to D.
- V to i (in minor keys -- Harmonic minor). Example: E to Am.
- V to (not I). A guitarist should start with a V chord -- the next chord can be anything other than a I chord.
- V to VI (in minor keys – Harmonic minor). Example: E to F.
- V to vi (in major keys). Example: G to Am; D to Em; E to F#m.
Also, the Half Cadence is good for a guitarist to use, if they want to rest (or pause) their musical idea.
- I to V. Example: C to G; G to D; F to C; A to E; E to B.
- IV to V. Example: E to F#; A to B; C to D.
- ii to V. Example: Dm to G; Am to D.
Interestingly, a guitarist can combine "I to V" and "IV to V" for a pleasing chord progression. For example: E to B to A to B (I to V to IV to V) ; C to G to F to G.
What is a Plagal Cadence?
Lastly, the Plagal Cadence is good for a guitarist to use in order to end a musical idea, especially in church music. The Plagal Cadence is also called the amen cadence. It sounds like one is saying “Amen.”
- IV to I (in major keys). Example: F to C ; C to G; A to E.
- iv to i (in minor keys). Example: Dm to Am; Am to Em; Em to Bm.
- ii (triad in 1st inversion) to I (occasionally considered Plagal). Example: Dm to C; Am to G; Em to D.
Cadences are used in the context of chord progressions. They are simple two-chord formulas. When music stops, starts, or pauses, typically one of the above cadences is being used. That is, the authentic, deceptive, half, or plagal cadence. A guitarist can use candences to create tension in their music or to resolve it. The cadences above are also known as the traditional cadences. Most cadences, and hence, chord progressions will end on either a V or I chord.
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