Authentic cadential progression
An authentic cadential progression is a cadential progression where both the dominant harmony and the final tonic harmony are in root position. The tonic is the "goal" of this progression.[citation needed]1
An authentic cadential progression is said to be complete if it has:
- an initial tonic harmony;
- a predominant harmony;
- a dominant harmony;
- a final tonic harmony
Examples
Example 1
This progression is complete.

Example 2
– add an incomplete authentic cadential progression