Learn how turnarounds and cadences can improve arrangement, tension, and transitions in electronic music production.


What is a Turnaround?

A turnaround is a short musical phrase used to signal the end of a section, progression, or musical idea. It helps transition the track back to an earlier section, loop a chord progression, or move into a completely new section of the song.

Although the term turnaround is strongly associated with Jazz harmony and chord progressions, turnarounds can be used in almost any genre of music. In electronic music production, a turnaround may be created using harmony, melody, rhythm, automation, percussion fills, FX, or changes in texture.

A turnaround is similar to a bridge in the sense that both help transition between musical ideas. However, a bridge is usually a larger contrasting section within a song structure, whereas a turnaround is typically a shorter phrase designed to connect sections or cycle the progression back to the start.

In genres such as Techno, House, Drum and Bass, and EDM, turnarounds are often created using rhythmic and textural changes rather than traditional harmonic movement.

Common EDM turnaround techniques include:

  • Drum fills and percussion rolls
  • Kick drum dropouts
  • Reverse FX and risers
  • Delay throws and reverb automation
  • Filter sweeps and automation
  • Bassline pauses or variations
  • Transitional impacts and uplifters

Oscar from Underdog demonstrates how turnarounds can be applied within Techno and electronic music production.

Turnarounds in EDM and Techno


Turnarounds Using Chord Progressions

As shown by Oscar from Underdog, a turnaround can be achieved rhythmically and texturally, which is extremely relevant in electronic music production. Traditionally, however, turnarounds were often created using harmony and melody.

When discussing turnarounds created using chord progressions, this usually relates to the concept of a cadence.

What is a Cadence?

In music theory, a cadence is a progression of two or more chords used to conclude a musical phrase. Cadences create either a feeling of resolution or tension, depending on how the progression resolves.

Cadences are commonly used as turnarounds because they naturally signal the end of a phrase and prepare the listener for what comes next.

Some cadences sound finished and resolved, while others intentionally leave the progression feeling unfinished. Unfinished cadences are often particularly useful in electronic music because they help loop progressions smoothly or build tension before a drop or chorus.

Below are some of the most common cadence types used in music production.


Finished Cadences

Finished cadences resolve strongly to the tonic chord (I), creating a clear sense of closure and finality.


Perfect or Authentic Cadence (V – I)

A Perfect Cadence, also known as an Authentic Cadence, is one of the strongest and most resolved sounding cadences in music theory. It creates a strong sense of completion by moving from the dominant chord (V) back to the tonic chord (I).

This cadence can be compared to a full stop at the end of a sentence.

Example in C Major:

Main progression
C (I) – Em (iii)

Adding a Perfect Cadence
G (V) – C (I)

In electronic music production, this type of cadence can work well at the end of breakdowns or before a complete arrangement reset.


Plagal Cadence (IV – I)

The Plagal Cadence also resolves to the tonic chord (I), but uses the subdominant chord (IV) instead of the dominant chord (V).

This cadence sounds softer and smoother than the Perfect Cadence and is sometimes referred to as the “Amen Cadence”.

Example in C Major:

Main progression
C (I) – Em (iii)

Adding a Plagal Cadence
F (IV) – C (I)

This softer resolution can work well in melodic electronic genres, Lo-Fi, Ambient music, and emotional breakdown sections.


Unfinished Cadences

Unfinished cadences avoid resolving fully to the tonic chord. Instead, they create tension and anticipation, making them extremely useful for turnarounds in looping music.

These cadences are especially useful when your main progression starts on the tonic chord (I), because the unresolved ending naturally pushes the listener back into the start of the progression.

Unfinished cadences are commonly used in EDM, House, Techno, and cinematic music to maintain momentum and energy.


Imperfect Cadence

An Imperfect Cadence ends on the dominant chord (V), creating tension and a feeling that the progression still needs to resolve.

This cadence can be compared to using a comma in a sentence rather than a full stop.

The dominant chord (V) is often preceded by chords such as:

  • I – V
  • ii – V
  • IV – V

Example in C Major:

Main progression
C (I) – Em (iii)

Adding an Imperfect Cadence
Dm (ii) – G (V)

This type of cadence works particularly well in looping electronic arrangements because it naturally pushes the listener back towards the tonic chord.


Interrupted Cadence (V – vi)

An Interrupted Cadence, sometimes called a Deceptive Cadence, begins like a Perfect Cadence but avoids resolving to the tonic chord.

The listener expects the progression to resolve from V to I, but instead the progression moves to the sixth chord (vi), creating surprise and tension.

Example in C Major:

Main progression
C (I) – Em (iii)

Adding an Interrupted Cadence
G (V) – Am (vi)

This type of cadence can be extremely effective before introducing a new section, melody, or harmonic idea.


Using Turnarounds in Electronic Music Production

In modern electronic music production, turnarounds are often created by combining harmonic movement with sound design and arrangement techniques.

For example, a producer may use:

  • A drum fill alongside an imperfect cadence
  • Automation and risers before a drop
  • Reverb tails and delay throws
  • Bassline pauses before the progression loops
  • Pitch risers and FX sweeps
  • Percussion variations every 8 or 16 bars

Combining harmonic cadences with arrangement techniques can make your tracks feel more dynamic, musical, and professional.


Learn More About Music Theory and Harmony

If you are unsure about some of the terminology relating to scales, harmony, and chord progressions, these tutorials are a great place to start.


Cadence Tutorial Video

This is one of the best YouTube videos explaining musical cadences and harmonic resolution.

Enjoy.


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