BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
153 / 18210 · Module 5 — Harmonic Function: Tonic, Predominant, Dominant, and Why Chords “Want” to Go Somewhere← prev⊞ allnext →

5.31Compare a loop versus an ending

Play:

C → G → Am → F

C → G → Am → F

repeatedly.

It loops easily.

Now end with:

Dm → G7 → C

Dm → G7 → C

Suddenly the music concludes.

This is useful for arranging:

A progression that works well as a loop may not be the best final ending.

Functional harmony tells you how to create closure.