A chord progression at the end of a phrase. There are several types of cadences.

Perfect Authentic Cadence

The perfect authentic cadence. V (dominant) - I (tonic). Both chords must be in root position and the highest note in the tonic chord must be the tonic:

authentic perfect


Imperfect Authentic Cadence

The Imperfect Authentic Cadence uses the degrees V - I like the Perfect Authentic Cadence, but one or both chords use inversion, or the highest note in the tonic chord is not the tonic. Two examples.

Imperfect because both chords use inversions:

imperfect

Imperfect because the tonic chord highest note is not the tonic:

imperfect


Half Cadence

Half cadence or semi-cadence. A chord progression that ends in V (dominant):

half cadence

Deceptive Cadence

Deceptive or interrupted cadence. V (dominant) - vi or V - IV:

deceptive


Plagal Cadence

Plagal cadence. IV (subdominant) - I:

plagal




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José Rodríguez Alvira.