Tonic Parallel

Half Cadence (Minor Key)

i-V or iv-V

cadence

At a Glance

Formula:
i-V or iv-V
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Illustrated in A minor.

Diagram type

Option 1

i – V

i: Am×○○231
V: E○○○231

Option 2

iv – V

iv: Dm××○231
V: E○○○231

What It Is

A minor-key phrase ending on the (raised-leading-tone) dominant rather than the tonic, leaving the harmony unresolved.

How It Functions

Creates a pause or expectation in a minor-key phrase, the same structural role a major-key Half Cadence plays.

Real Song Examples

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