Printable worksheet
Cadence Identification Worksheet (Printable, with Answers)
Printable cadence identification worksheet: name perfect (authentic), plagal, imperfect (half) and interrupted (deceptive) cadences.
Cadence Identification Worksheet (Printable, with Answers)
Sheet #
Name Date Score /
Answer key
Cadence Identification Worksheet (Printable, with Answers) · Sheet #
How to use it
- Choose key mode and difficulty.
- Generate a sheet: each question shows two chords on a grand staff in a named key.
- Work out the Roman numerals of the two chords, then name the cadence.
- Check against the answer key, which gives both British and American names.
What this exercise practises#
A cadence is the harmonic punctuation at the end of a phrase. Each question gives a key and two chords in four-part harmony on a grand staff; you name the cadence. The answer key gives the British name first and the American name in brackets.
The cadences#
| Chords | British name | American name |
|---|---|---|
| V (or V7) - I | Perfect | Authentic |
| IV - I | Plagal | Plagal |
| I, IV, ii or ii6 - V | Imperfect | Half |
| V (or V7) - vi (VI in minor) | Interrupted | Deceptive |
How to solve a question#
- Identify the key from the key signature (check for a raised leading tone in minor).
- Work out each chord’s Roman numeral from the bass note and the notes above it.
- Match the pair of numerals to the table. If the last chord is V, the cadence is imperfect (half) whatever came before.
Difficulty levels#
- Easy: perfect, plagal and imperfect cadences in root position, keys up to three sharps or flats.
- Medium: adds interrupted cadences and ii6-V (first-inversion supertonic) with keys up to four accidentals.
- Hard: adds V7-I and V7-vi and uses keys up to six accidentals in major and five in minor.
Frequently asked questions
What are the four main cadences?
Perfect (authentic): V to I. Plagal: IV to I. Imperfect (half): any chord moving to V. Interrupted (deceptive): V moving to vi (VI in a minor key).
What is the difference between perfect and imperfect cadences?
In British usage a perfect cadence is V-I and an imperfect cadence ends on V. American usage calls the first an authentic cadence and the second a half cadence.
What is a deceptive cadence called in the UK?
An interrupted cadence. Both names mean V followed by vi (or VI in minor) instead of the expected I.
Do cadences in minor keys differ?
The chords are i, iv, V and VI. V has a raised leading tone (harmonic minor), so in A minor the V chord is E-G♯-B.
Why does a perfect cadence here always have the tonic on top?
Many textbooks require V and I in root position with the tonic in the highest voice for a perfect (authentic) cadence. The worksheet uses that strict form so there is one clear answer.