21.40Reharmonize backward from the destination

Suppose melody phrase must end on Cmaj7.

Work backward:

Before C:

G7

Before G7:

Dm7

Before Dm7:

A7

Before A7:

maybe:

Em7

So:

Em7 → A7 → Dm7 → G7 → Cmaj7

This is often easier than inventing chords from left to right.