37. Focusing on Cadences

"Resolution," the Key to Cadences

Now that we have learned avoid notes and sixth chords, we return to chords and song structure.

In Lesson 31, we looked at "the smallest unit of a chord progression," the "cadence," using tonic, subdominant and dominant chords.

31. Cadences and Various Movements
What is a cadence? Up to the previous lesson, we covered the tonic, subdominant and dominant chords in each key and their functions

This time, we focus on the end of the cadence, the part that expresses the end of a song or of a phrase (a pause) or bridges to what comes next: the "resolution".
You can think of resolutions as the punctuation of a sentence.

*Classical and popular music often view this differently, but here we will summarize ideas that are as practical as possible.

Variations of Resolution

There are several variations of resolution.
Below, we look at the common types of resolution.

Full Cadence (Perfect Resolution)

It is used at the end of a song, or when you want the chord development to settle for a moment.
It is also called the authentic standard or dominant resolution, and in Japan, dominant motion.

Example) V7 (V) → I, Imaj7

*A progression from V7, which contains the tritone, gives a stronger sense of resolution.

The final D → T in the T → SD → D → T we covered in Lesson 31 was one of these.

The end of the following chord progression, which we covered with strong progressions, is also a full cadence.

Em7 → Am7 → Dm7 → G7 → C

33. Two-Five (II-V) and Strong Progressions
"Two-five," something to learn along with avoid notes. This time, before learning the rest of avoid notes, we look at a famous, frequently used chord progression

There are two ideas related to the full cadence that are worth learning together.
Keep them in mind when creating flow through the interplay of melody and chords.

Perfect authentic cadence: the top note (or melody) is the tonic
Gives a very strong impression of having completely ended
Imperfect authentic cadence: the top note (or melody) is not the tonic
Gives a weaker impression of having ended than a perfect authentic cadence

If you listen to the two back to back, the difference is easy to hear.

Half Cadence (Imperfect Resolution)

A resolution that doesn't feel finished and raises expectations for the next development.

Example) Ending (stopping) on V7 (V)

In pop music, it is often used at the end of an intro or before a chorus.
Adding a build-up heightens anticipation for what comes next even more.

Plagal Cadence (Plagal Resolution)

Also called the "Amen cadence," it has a weaker sense of resolution and gives the impression of a soft landing.

Example) Ending with SD → T

The T → D → "SD → T" sample covered in the cadence lesson was a plagal cadence.

In classical music, there are many pieces that add a plagal cadence after a perfect authentic cadence.

Deceptive Cadence (Deceptive Resolution)

It keeps the form of a full cadence but resolves to a substitute chord for T.

Example) I-IV-V-VIm

It deliberately betrays the expectation of V going to I, adding an element of surprise.
Because it uses a substitute chord rather than T, it can also lead smoothly into the next development.
Here, for the final "T" of T → SD → D → T, let's use VIm/VIm7, which is often used as a substitute chord for T.

It feels like it's going to continue.
Let's keep going and close with a full cadence at the end.

Connecting the deceptive cadence to a II-V-I creates a chord progression with a sense of story.

Those are the common types of resolution.
At this point, you're not far from being able to compose using major diatonic chords.
Keep analyzing songs as you get a feel for it.

Next time, we will learn about sus chords.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What exactly is a "resolution" (cadence) in music production?

A resolution plays a role like punctuation in a sentence. It is the way a chord progression ends, expressing the end of a song or the division between phrases, and giving the listener a sense of completion or anticipation for what comes next.

Q2. What is the difference between a full cadence and a half cadence?

A full cadence moves from the dominant 7th to the tonic and gives the impression of having completely ended. A half cadence, on the other hand, stops on the dominant 7th and heightens anticipation for what comes next.

Q3. Which resolution is used most in pop music production?

The half cadence is used frequently at the end of intros and before choruses, and with a build-up it can effectively heighten anticipation for what comes next.

Q4. What are the benefits of using a deceptive cadence?

It deliberately betrays the listener's expectations to add surprise, while using a substitute chord for the tonic lets you lead smoothly into the next development.