Be sure to check out the notes and resources below, they are especially important for this lesson!

• a cadence is a progression that leads to the tonic (I)
• although ii-V is the most common way to get to I, it's not the only way
• IV can also lead directly to I (plagal cadence, familiar as the Amen at the end of a hymn)
• you can replace either of these with other interesting alternatives
• see attached handout for a list of common cadences to try
• play the melody with chorale voicings when evaluating chords
• use your ears to help you decide which work with the melody
• general rule of thumb - avoid melody notes a half step above chord tones
• exception: the notes a half step above the root (b9) and fifth (b13) sound good over V

Other resources:

• Harmony and Chord Progressions - the entire course is valuable for further information!