INICIACIÓN

I-IV-I-V (Gospel Turnaround)

Why do certain songs sound like hope? The secret is called the plagal chord

I-IV is the 'amen' movement. Amazing Grace, Oh Happy Day, Stand By Me — all share that warmth from the plagal chord. Gospel music has used this emotional trick for 200 years.

IIVIV

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Famous songs

Amazing Grace · Oh Happy Day · Stand By Me (Ben E. King) · This Little Light of Mine · I Will Survive

Did you know?

African American gospel choirs transformed this liturgical cadence into the emotional engine of popular music. Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, and Al Green all came from Memphis churches.