As a music theory expert with a passion for the intricacies of harmony and composition, I'm delighted to delve into the details of the Cadential 64 chord, a fascinating subject in the realm of music theory.
The Cadential 6/4 chord, often referred to simply as a "6/4 chord," is a type of chord that is commonly used in Western music to create a sense of resolution or finality at the end of a phrase or section. It is particularly associated with the final cadence of a piece, hence the term "cadential," which is derived from the word "cadence," referring to the rhythmic flow of a piece of music coming to a close.
The 6/4 chord is a type of "added tone" chord, which means it includes an extra note that is not part of the basic triad. In the case of the 6/4 chord, this added note is the sixth scale degree, which is placed a sixth above the bass note. This creates a unique sound that is both consonant and dissonant, providing a sense of tension that resolves into the more stable tonic chord.
The structure of a 6/4 chord is as follows:
- The root of the chord is the same as the root of the underlying scale.
- The fourth is the note a fourth above the root, which is where the "4" in "6/4" comes from.
- The sixth is the note a sixth above the root, which is the added tone that gives the chord its characteristic sound.

When we talk about the Cadential 6/4 chord resolving, it typically resolves to the dominant chord (V) and then to the tonic chord (I), creating a strong sense of resolution. The process of resolution involves the notes of the 6/4 chord descending diatonically to the fifth and third of the chord, which form the normal dominant chord (V). This is a crucial aspect of the function of the Cadential 6/4 chord, as it provides a bridge from the tension of the 6/4 chord to the resolution of the dominant chord.

The notes of the two appoggiaturas (the sixth and the fourth when considered in the context of the dominant chord) combine with the bass to form a tonic chord in second inversion. An appoggiatura is a type of non-chord tone that creates a momentary dissonance by emphasizing a note outside of the chord, which then resolves to a chord tone. In the context of the Cadential 6/4 chord, the sixth and fourth act as appoggiaturas, creating a dissonant tension that resolves down to the more stable chord tones of the dominant chord.

Here's a more detailed look at the process:
1. The Cadential 6/4 chord is played, with the sixth and fourth notes above the bass creating a sense of tension.
2. These notes then descend diatonically to the fifth and third of the underlying chord, which are the notes of the dominant chord (V).
3. The dominant chord (V) is then played, resolving the tension created by the 6/4 chord and leading to the final resolution.
4. Finally, the tonic chord (I) is played, often in root position, to complete the cadence and provide a sense of finality.

The Cadential 6/4 chord is a powerful tool in a composer's or songwriter's arsenal, capable of adding depth and a sense of completion to the end of a musical phrase. Its use can be found across various genres of music, from classical to jazz and pop, testament to its versatility and effectiveness in creating a satisfying musical conclusion.

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The most common example of this is the Cadential 6 4 chord. ... These descend diatonically to the 5th and 3rd of the chord to form the normal dominant chord: The notes of the two appoggiaturas combine with the bass to form a tonic chord in second inversion.read more >>