Which cadence is described by the progression IV-I, commonly known as the Amen cadence?

• A. V-I
• B. IV-I
• C. V-vi
• D. I-V

Answer: (B)

This is a plagal cadence, moving from the subdominant to the tonic. In practical terms, you’re hearing IV to I, such as F major moving to C major in C major. This IV–I motion gives a gentle, open sense of closure, which is why it’s famously called the Amen cadence—the kind of soothing, prayerful ending often heard in liturgical music. It differs from the stronger, more definitive ending of a V–I progression (dominant to tonic), from a deceptive V–vi move that doesn’t resolve to the tonic, or from I–V motion that doesn’t provide that conclusive arrival. The IV–I sequence is the hallmark of the Amen cadence because of its subdominant-to-tonic resolution and its characteristic calm, prayer-like finality.