How-To Practice “Cadence” Flashcards
What is a cadence in music?
A cadence is a sequence of chords that concludes a phrase, section, or piece of music, creating a sense of resolution or pause.
• A Guide To Cadences
• 4 Types of Cadence
• Perfect Cadence / Authentic Cadence
In music, a cadence is a sequence of chords that signifies the end of a phrase, section, or piece of music. Think of it as a kind of musical punctuation, similar to how we use commas, periods, or question marks in sentences. Cadences help create a sense of resolution, pause, or continuation, depending on the type.
There are four main types of cadences:
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Perfect Cadence (Authentic Cadence)
• Sound: Strong and final, like a “full stop.”
• Chord Progression: Dominant (V) → Tonic (I) (e.g., G → C in the key of C major).
• Use: Often found at the end of a piece or a section to create a sense of complete resolution. -
Imperfect Cadence (Half Cadence)
• Sound: Open-ended, like a comma or a question.
• Chord Progression: Ends on the dominant (V) chord (e.g., C → G in the key of C major).
• Use: Leaves the listener expecting more, so it’s often used mid-phrase. -
Plagal Cadence
• Sound: Gentle and subdued, often called the “Amen” cadence because it’s common in hymns.
• Chord Progression: Subdominant (IV) → Tonic (I) (e.g., F → C in the key of C major).
• Use: Frequently used as an alternative to a perfect cadence, especially at the end of a piece. -
Deceptive Cadence / Interrupted Cadence
• Sound: Unexpected, creating surprise or suspense.
• Chord Progression: Dominant (V) → Not the tonic (often vi, the relative minor) (e.g., G → Am in the key of C major).
• Use: Adds tension or drama, delaying resolution.
Why Cadences Matter for Guitarists
Understanding cadences is vital for songwriting, improvisation, and interpreting music. When playing fingerstyle, you can use cadences to emphasize transitions between musical ideas, add emotional weight, or resolve a piece. Experiment with different cadences to hear how they influence the mood and flow of your music.
Why is cadence important in fingerstyle guitar?
Cadence provides structure, emotional impact, and resolution to a musical piece, helping to guide listeners through the music.
What are the two main types of cadences?
The two main types are authentic cadences (V to I or V7 to I) and plagal cadences (IV to I).
What is a deceptive cadence?
A deceptive cadence occurs when the expected resolution to the tonic is replaced by another chord, often surprising the listener (For example: V to vi, which in the key of C would be from G to Am).
How does a cadence influence the mood of a piece?
Cadences create emotional transitions, such as tension and release, by resolving or leaving phrases unresolved, shaping the mood and flow of a song.
What role does cadence play in fingerstyle arrangements?
Cadences define the phrasing and create opportunities to enhance the dynamics, texture, and storytelling in fingerstyle guitar.
Can a cadence be subtle in fingerstyle guitar?
Yes, subtle cadences use less pronounced resolutions, such as broken chords or implied harmonic shifts, to create nuanced phrasing.
How can you use a cadence to build tension in fingerstyle guitar?
Use suspended chords (e.g., sus2, sus4) or delay the resolution by prolonging the dominant chord with arpeggios.
What is a modal cadence?
A modal cadence resolves to a mode’s characteristic tone, such as Dorian or Mixolydian, creating unique tonal colors.
How can percussive techniques emphasize a cadence?
Use body tapping or palm slaps to accentuate chord changes at cadences, enhancing their rhythmic impact.
What is a chromatic cadence, and how can it be applied in fingerstyle?
A chromatic cadence uses half-step movements to resolve to the tonic. In fingerstyle, you can use sliding or hammer-on techniques to highlight the chromatic shift.
How can alternate tunings affect cadences?
Alternate tunings like DADGAD or open G offer richer harmonic options, allowing for fuller-sounding cadences and unique resolutions.
Can you use harmonics to emphasize cadences?
Yes, harmonics can create a bell-like resolution at the end of a phrase, adding texture and beauty.
How does timing influence the effect of a cadence in fingerstyle?
Holding a chord slightly longer or using rubato can make the cadence more dramatic and expressive.
What is the first step in practicing cadences on guitar?
Start by learning the common cadence progressions (e.g., V-I, IV-I) in different keys and positions on the fretboard.
How can metronome practice improve your use of cadences?
Practicing cadences with a metronome ensures precise timing and smooth transitions between chords.
What is a good exercise for mastering authentic cadences?
Practice alternating between V and I chords in various keys, focusing on clean transitions and clear tone.
How can you practice deceptive cadences?
Play progressions like V-vi in different keys and experiment with dynamics to emphasize the unexpected resolution.
How do you internalize cadences through ear training?
Practice identifying cadences by listening to songs and replicating the chord progressions on your guitar.
What fingerstyle patterns are best for practicing cadences?
Use simple arpeggios or Travis picking to emphasize the harmonic flow of cadences while maintaining finger independence.
