Perfect cadence — G7 to C
The most conclusive cadence in tonal harmony: the dominant seventh chord (G7, degree V) resolves all its tension onto the tonic (C, degree I). The tritone contained in G7 — the interval between its third and its seventh — creates an expectation that only the tonic can satisfy: it's this mechanism, more than mere habit, that makes this progression sound like a real ending rather than a pause.
Tips
Play G7 alone first and let it ring, then resolve to C: consciously listen to the tension dropping away, before replaying the progression in rhythm.
Compare it by ear with a C chord played without G7 beforehand: the difference in the feeling of 'ending' between the two is the whole point of this sheet.
Once you recognise the cadence by ear, spot it in a song you already know — it's almost certainly there, closing a verse or the whole tune.
Chord progression — C
Chords
Related sheets
- Pop in C (with barre) — muted strums (Level 2)
- Pop in C (with barre) — chord change (Level 2)
- Strumming — syncopated "cowboy" pattern (Level 2)