The Plagal Cadence – mDecks Music
Published: 2022-08-18
backward progressions
tension & release
Tension and Release
tonal harmony
Explore the plagal (IV–I) cadence—how it functions, sounds, and changes meaning with context across genres.
This lesson demonstrates the plagal cadence (IV to I), explaining its tonal function and why it can create either tension or resolution depending on the established key. Using examples from hymns, gospel, blues, and pop (e.g., Let It Be, People Are Strange, Son of a Preacher Man), it shows how the same chord motion takes on different emotional roles. The video also situates the plagal cadence in a three-region tonal map (dominant, subdominant, tonic) to clarify voice-leading and scale-degree tension. Practical listening guidance and historical context help you recognize and apply the cadence in both major and minor settings.
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