functions, common progressions, cadences

Tonic function

Contains the stable mediant of the key (3rd note of scale) and at least one other note from the tonic chord (tonic or dominant) I iii vi

Subdominant function

Contains subdominant note (4th note of scale) - creates gravitational pull away from the tonic chord without containing leading notes - medium tension. IV ii

dominant function

Contains leading note - most tension - wants to resolve to tonic function - V vii* (V7)

most common chords

I IV V vi

Progression 1

I IV V

Progression 2

I V vi IV

Progression 3

I vi IV V

Perfect cadence

Dominant, Tonic - V I/i — dominant is always major

Plagal cadence

Subdominant and tonic - IV/iv I/i

Imperfect cadence

Dominant V - preceded by either I IV or II

Interrupted cadence

Submediant VI/vi - preceded by V