An Interesting Conclusion
Are you ready to take your song endings to the next level? Say goodbye to mundane conclusions and hello to mesmerizing musical finales! This cocktail piano tip offers a little harmonic flair that effectively delays the final I chord…
The Significance of a Good Song Ending
Before we dive into the specifics of our harmonic enhancement technique, let’s take a moment to appreciate the importance of song endings. A well-crafted conclusion can leave a lasting impression on your listeners, serving as the culmination of the musical journey and leaving them with a sense of satisfaction or intrigue. By giving a little attention to detail, especially in terms of harmonic movement, we ca create quite a nice effect.
Major 7th Chords: Good Friends
At the heart of our technique lies the maj7 chord—a vibrant harmonic entity with the power to add depth and complexity to almost any musical passage. By strategically incorporating maj7 chords into your song endings, you can introduce tension and resolution that will lift your audience’s ears and leave them craving more.
Delaying the I Chord with Maj7 Chords
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of our harmonic enhancement technique. For songs concluding with a prolonged I chord lasting two measures, we can introduce harmonic interest by delaying the resolution of the tonic with a series of maj7 chords.
In our example, we originally had the Fmaj6 chord held for eight beats. But by working backward and introducing maj7 chords, our song ending becomes much more intriguing:
Abmaj7 >> Dbmaj7 >> Gbmaj7 >> Fmaj6 (or Fmaj7)
By following this harmonic progression, we delay the resolution of the I chord, building anticipation and complexity that elevate the ending to new heights. And the beauty of this technique? It works wonders whether your song is a ballad, swing tune, bossa nova, or anything in between.
Voicing Your Chords
Now, let’s talk about voicing. There are countless ways to voice maj7 chords, offering endless possibilities for creativity and expression. Experiment with different inversions, voicings, and chord extensions to find what resonates best with the mood and style of your song. Whether you prefer lush and expansive voicings or minimalist and understated arrangements, the key is to stay true to the harmonic progression while infusing your own artistic flair.
Your Song Endings Can Heighten Your Listener’s Interest
Imagine a jazz ballad reaching its anticipated conclusion. As the final section approaches, the
pianist introduces a series of maj7 chords, each one building upon the tension established by the preceding chord. With each passing measure, the listener’s curiosity is elevated while awaiting the eventual resolution of the I chord. When it finally arrives, it does so with a sense of inevitability and satisfaction.
Closing Thoughts: Elevate Your Songs with Maj7 Magic
So, the next time you find yourself crafting a musical conclusion, remember the power of harmonic interest and the transformative potential of maj7 chords. With a dash of creativity and a willingness to explore new possibilities, you can captivate your audience’s curiosity.
The same technique can, of course, work if the measure is only one measure induration as well. Also, experiment with how you approach this chord progression rhythmically!
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