23.2The easiest intro: use the last 2–4 bars

Suppose the song begins in C.

One of the most common intro strategies is:

Play the final cadence first.

For example:

Dm7 → G7 → Cmaj7

Then begin the melody.

Why does this work?

Because the intro establishes:

• key
• tempo
• style
• harmonic language

before the tune enters.