Phrase Structure & Cadence in Melody
Melodies are built out of "sentences." Learn how phrases pair up into questions and answers — and how that shapes almost every tune you know.
What is a phrase?
A phrase is a musical "sentence" — a self-contained melodic idea, commonly 4 or 8 bars long, that ends with a cadence (a harmonic resting point). Just like a sentence needs punctuation to make sense, a phrase needs a cadence to feel complete.
Antecedent and consequent: the period
The most common way to pair two phrases is the period: an antecedent phrase (the "question") is answered by a consequent phrase (the "answer"). The antecedent typically ends on a half cadence — landing on the dominant (V), which sounds unresolved, like a question mark. The consequent then answers with the same or similar melodic material, but ends on an authentic cadence (V→I or vii°→I), which resolves fully — like a period at the end of the sentence.
Sentence form: an alternative shape
Not every pair of phrases is a question-and-answer. Sentence form works differently: it states a short idea, immediately repeats it (often at the same pitch or slightly varied), and then moves into a continuation — a more active passage that drives forward to a cadence. Where a period feels like call-and-response, a sentence feels like a wind-up followed by a release.
Common questions
What is a musical phrase?
A phrase is a musical "sentence" — a self-contained melodic idea, commonly 4 or 8 bars long, ending in a cadence.
What is a period in music?
A period pairs an antecedent phrase (the "question," often ending on a half cadence) with a consequent phrase (the "answer," ending on a full authentic cadence).
What is the difference between a period and a sentence?
A period is question-and-answer: two phrases with different endings. A sentence states an idea, repeats it, then moves into a continuation that drives to a cadence.
What is a half cadence versus an authentic cadence?
A half cadence ends on V, sounding unresolved. An authentic cadence moves from V (or vii°) to I, sounding fully resolved.
Hear phrase structure in real progressions
Melody Monkey's Songwriting Studio lets you hear cadences land in context — build a question-and-answer phrase of your own.
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