The Half Cadence
any chord → V
A half cadence ends on the dominant chord (V) rather than resolving to it. Because the V chord is unstable, the phrase feels unfinished — like a musical comma rather than a period. A half cadence builds expectation that more music must follow to resolve the tension it leaves hanging.
Hear the Half Cadence
Press play to hear the cadence resolve, then change the key to hear it move — the pattern is the same in every key. The Roman numerals below the keys show the harmony.
How It Works
A half cadence can be approached from almost any chord — I, ii, IV, or vi all commonly precede it — but it must end on V. The point is that the phrase stops on the dominant, the most tension-filled diatonic chord, so the ear is left waiting for the resolution to the tonic that has not yet come.
This makes the half cadence a structural "question." It is typically answered later by an authentic cadence, forming a question-and-answer pair of phrases (an antecedent ending on V, a consequent ending on I) that is one of the fundamental building blocks of classical phrase structure.
Play It in C Major
The two chords of the cadence, spelled in C:
How to Recognize It
Listen for a phrase that pauses on a chord that feels open and expectant rather than resolved. If the phrase ends on the dominant (the fifth scale degree) instead of the tonic, it is a half cadence. The unfinished feeling is the giveaway — it sounds like the first half of a musical sentence.
When It’s Used
The half cadence divides musical sentences into balanced halves. It ends the antecedent (first) phrase of a period, setting up the consequent phrase that resolves with an authentic cadence. It is everywhere in classical themes, and its open, unresolved quality is also used to lead into a new section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a half cadence resolve?
Not on its own — that is the point. It ends on the dominant and leaves the tension unresolved, so the music feels like it must continue. The resolution usually comes at the end of the next phrase with an authentic cadence.
What is a Phrygian half cadence?
A special half cadence in minor keys: a first-inversion iv chord (with the sixth scale degree in the bass) steps down a half step to V. The half-step descent in the bass gives it a distinctive, archaic flavor.
What chord does a half cadence end on?
Always the dominant (V), the chord built on the fifth scale degree. What comes before it can vary, but the ending on V is what defines the half cadence.