m.mermikides@surrey.ac.uk
Much of the course material has focused on the V-I resolution, which is a fundamental component
of tonal harmony. However in rock, pop, folk and modal music the IV-I is an equally important
resolution. In classical music a IV-I resolution may be called a plagal cadence (The 'a-men' of a hymn)
{
Here's one of many possible voicings
w
F C
w
& w
w w
w
? w w
The IV-I appears very often in rock and pop tunes, perhaps as frequently as the V-I.
Often IV is interjected between V and I in a resolution.
V IV I
& V V V V V V V V V V V V
G F C
In rock, blues and pops major triads are often extended to dominant 7 chords (even if they are non-diatonic)
The V7-IV7-I7 is found in the last 4 bars of a basic blues form.
V7 IV7 I7
& V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
G7 F7 C7
The IV-I also forms part of one of the most common chord sequences in rock and pop music:
The I-V-vi-IV progression. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pidokakU4I
I V VIm IV
& ™™ V V V V V V V V ™™
C G A‹ F
2
The IV-I resolution may be extended backwards by one step.
This is a very common rock sequence, which involves major triads gong down in 4ths.
The I, IV and bVII all appear in the mixolydian mode, which is implied by the sequence.
bVII IV I
& V V V V V V V V
B¨ (down 4th) F (down 4th) C
Minor
Mixolydian
Major
& V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
A¨ E¨ B¨ F C