Tonic Parallel

Half Cadence

I-V or IV-V

cadence

At a Glance

Formula:
I-V or IV-V
overviewrelatedpractice

Illustrated in C major.

Diagram type

Option 1

I – V

I: C×○○321
V: G○○○213

Option 2

IV – V

IV: F123411
V: G○○○213

What It Is

Any phrase that ends on the dominant chord rather than the tonic, leaving the harmony unresolved.

How It Functions

Creates a sense of pause or expectation rather than closure - like a comma, not a period.

Real Song Examples

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