A chord sequence at the end of a phrase that gives a sense of resolution or pause.
A cadence is a sequence of chords, usually at the end of a musical phrase, that creates a sense of arrival, resolution or pause — the harmonic equivalent of punctuation. Some cadences feel final and conclusive, like a full stop, resolving firmly back to the home chord of the key; others feel unfinished and expectant, like a comma, leaving the music hanging and wanting to continue. Cadences are what give music its sense of breathing, structure and direction, signalling to the listener when a section is closing or about to move on. Recognising the common cadences is a fundamental part of understanding how harmony shapes the flow of a song.
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