Reading time: 5 minutes |
Section 5.2 of the ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory exam tests your ability to identify cadences.
You’ll be given a question like this: “Tick one box to name each cadence.”
This section builds directly on what you learned in Section 5.1. There’s nothing new here – it’s just about applying your knowledge of chords and cadences.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Quick Revision: The Three Cadences
| Cadence | Chord Progression | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Perfect | V → I | Full stop (finished) |
| Plagal | IV → I | “Amen” (finished) |
| Imperfect | Any → V | Comma (unfinished) |
The Method
- Identify the key (usually given in the question)
- Write out the four chords (I, II, IV, V) in that key
- Identify the two chords at the end of the phrase
- Name the cadence based on the progression
Worked Example 1: E♭ Major (Imperfect Cadence)
The question: Identify the cadence in E♭ major.
Key: E♭ major
Step 1: Write out the chords
| Chord | Notes |
|---|---|
| I | E♭ – G – B♭ |
| II | F – A♭ – C |
| IV | A♭ – C – E♭ |
| V | B♭ – D – F |
Step 2: Identify the first chord
Bass clef: E♭ and B♭
Treble clef: G and E♭
Notes present: E♭, G, B♭
This matches Chord I (E♭ – G – B♭).
Answer: I
Step 3: Identify the second chord
Bass clef: Two B♭’s an octave apart
Treble clef: F and D
Notes present: B♭, D, F
This matches Chord V (B♭ – D – F).
Answer: V
Step 4: Name the cadence
Progression: I → V
Cadence: Any chord going to V = Imperfect Cadence
Answer: Imperfect Cadence
Worked Example 2: E Minor (Perfect Cadence)
The question: Identify the cadence in E minor.
Key: E minor
Important: In a minor key, chord V always uses the raised 7th (harmonic minor).
Step 1: Write out the chords
| Chord | Notes |
|---|---|
| I | E – G – B |
| II | F♯ – A – C |
| IV | A – C – E |
| V | B – D♯ – F♯ (7th raised!) |
Step 2: Identify the first chord
Bass clef: B and D♯
Treble clef: B and F♯
Notes present: B, D♯, F♯
This matches Chord V (B – D♯ – F♯).
Answer: V
Step 3: Identify the second chord
Bass clef: Two E’s an octave apart
Treble clef: G and E
Notes present: E, G (and B is implied/omitted)
This matches Chord I (E – G – B). The B is omitted – this is common at the end of a piece.
Answer: I
Step 4: Name the cadence
Progression: V → I
Cadence: V → I = Perfect Cadence
Answer: Perfect Cadence
Summary Table
| Example | Key | First Chord | Second Chord | Progression | Cadence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E♭ major | I | V | I → V | Imperfect |
| 2 | E minor | V | I | V → I | Perfect |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Forgetting the raised 7th in minor keys. Chord V in a minor key always uses the raised 7th (harmonic minor).
- Missing omitted notes. Sometimes the 5th of the chord is omitted – look for the root and 3rd.
- Confusing plagal and perfect. Plagal = IV → I; Perfect = V → I.
- Not writing out the chords first. It’s much easier to have them in front of you.
Quick Reference: Cadence Recognition
| Progression | Cadence |
|---|---|
| V → I | Perfect |
| IV → I | Plagal |
| I → V | Imperfect |
| II → V | Imperfect |
| IV → V | Imperfect |
Practice Makes Perfect
Understanding the theory is one thing, but exam success comes from repeated, focused practice. That’s why my interactive practice site (app.owenmusictheory.com) can make all the difference in your preparation.
Here’s how the two practice modes work:
Drill Mode: Master One Section at a Time
Drill Mode is designed for targeted practice. You get access to all the questions organised section by section, just like the real exam. This means you can:
- Focus specifically on cadence identification until it feels second nature
- Skip the sections you’re already confident in and spend your time where it matters most
- Practise the same question type repeatedly with virtually unlimited questions – you’ll never run out of fresh material
With instant feedback on every answer, you’ll learn from your mistakes immediately and reinforce correct answers right away.
Exam Mode: Simulate the Real Thing
When you’re ready to put it all together, Exam Mode gives you the full experience:
- Full-length papers in the exact format of the ABRSM exam
- Randomised questions each time you take a test – no two papers are the same
- A 2-hour time limit to help you build speed and stamina
- A final score and detailed feedback at the end, so you know exactly where you stand
This mode is invaluable for reducing exam-day anxiety. The more you practise under real conditions, the more confident you’ll feel when it counts.
Get Started
- Head to app.owenmusictheory.com
- Sign up free — no card required
- Try the free Pitch and Terms drills, or sit the free sample exam paper
- If it’s helping, upgrade for full access to every section and unlimited randomised papers
Grade 5 Theory is a one-time hurdle standing between you and your next practical grade. Practising smart — with realistic questions, instant feedback, and proper timed conditions — is the difference between walking in anxious and walking in ready.
Good luck!
