The chords
Every chord links to its full reference page — notes, keyboard diagram, audio, fingering, and inversions.
Which key is it in?
A progression's key is the one whose scale contains all of its chords, and the Roman numerals below are each chord's job in that key. When several keys qualify, the ear usually decides by where the music comes to rest.
| Key | Roman numerals | Named pattern |
|---|---|---|
| C major | V – I | an authentic cadence |
| G major | I – IV | Not a named pattern |
| E minor | ♭III – ♭VI | Not a named pattern |
| A minor | ♭VII – ♭III | Not a named pattern |
Why an authentic cadence works
The dominant resolving home (V→I) — the strongest, most final way to end a phrase.
The full an authentic cadence reference → covers variations, songs built on it, and the pattern in every key.