Cadences - The 4 types explained - Perfect, Plagal, Imperfect, Interrupted

In this video on music cadences we look at the 4 different types of cadence and how they are used in music.

A cadence is a 2 chord progression that is used at the end of a musical phrase. There are 4 cadences - Perfect (or Authentic), Plagal, Imperfect (or Half) and Interrupted (or Deceptive) which can sound "finished" or "unfinished".

The perfect cadence is also known as the authentic cadence. It is a progression from chord V to chord I. For example, in C major the progression would be from a G chord to a C chord.
The plagal cadence is from chord IV to chord I - in C major this would be an F chord followed by a C chord.

The imperfect cadence or half cadence is a progression that ends on chord V. It can start on either chord I, II or IV. In C major, the progression could move from chord II (Dm) to chord V (G).
The interrupted cadence of deceptive cadence is a wonderful cadence as it adds an element of surprise into a piece of music. The progression is from chord V to chord VI. The listener thinks that the music is going to return to chord I, but instead they are taken to the "surprising" sound of chord VI.

Cadences are marked on sheet music with a horizontal line between the 2 chords.

Cadences are a really important part of composing as they help to define the end of musical phrases. If you are wanting your phrase to sound finished then use either the perfect (authentic) or plagal cadence. If, on the other hand you would like your music to sound unfinished then choose either the imperfect (half) cadence or interrupted (deceptive) cadence instead.

[goodvibespro]

This is a good presentation of the cadences. However, it would be helpful in this presentation to use the correct Roman Numerals for minor chords and not the major Roman Numeral references across the board.

[blessingitaketo]

SIR, you are saving my ass in these music classes. I can't tell you how grateful I am
Thank you <3

[TheBodybuilderlife]

why is a ten minute video easier to grasp than 10+years of music classes? lol thank you for the easy breakdowns

[annamayfair-diaznovelspoet]

What a great teacher, make it so clear and comprehensive, sharing it with my grandkids. Thank you SO much!👏

[charlesbarrios]

This is the first time I fully understand cadences. I had piano lessons till grade 4 or 5 but i don't understand cadences even though it is in our book. Thank you Sir. Your analogy using nursery rhyme helps.

[isaiaheberly]

These videos are helping me though my AP music theory class that I am struggling with, thank you so much!

[jamescao]

Clearly and simplified explanation for Cadences. Average people who like music but need more music theory to know, it is the good place.to view.

[theoe]

Plagal candences are so underrated. They sound so good

[amyyoung]

This is so clear, thanks! I am using this to reinforce cadences for my students.

[irismoralis]

Good video! Just why are some of the visuals blurred out? I found that distracting

[velcroman]

I agree with Brian. IT IS REQUIRED to use the correct Roman numeral to identify MAJOR and “minor” degrees.

[AlwaysLearningtoTeach]

Thank you so much! The simplest explanation of cadences I’ve ever heard!

[jeffrininger]

Ben, you are a captivating teacher. A clearer explanation could not be presented. Thank you and Bravo!

[mr.nothing]

Thank you so much sir.. Do more videos about music theory.. I learning step by step by your video

[brianhatimbula]

I ❤ love this brief and comprehensive explanation about cadences🎼it's helpful coz am a flutist and I like composition.👍🏽

[gastonpiget]

Finally, I understand this business of cadences! Thanks!

[Otonium]

I loved the clarity of this video. Thanks!

[-Mark_F]

Excellent teaching. You have made something that I thought was going to be complicated really easy to understand. Thank you!

[francescodevirgilio]

Incredible lesson! Learned a lot. Please do more!!!👏👏👏👏

[larsolebergersen]

Very clearly explained. A small wish would be to avoid all the parallells in the voicing.