7.4Example: melody note G

Suppose the melody sits on G.

Which of our basic chords contain G?

C:

C E G

G:

G B D

F:

F A C

F does not contain G.

So the simplest candidates are:

C or G

Now ask functionally:

• Do I want stability? Use C.
• Do I want tension? Use G or G7.

Same melody note, different harmonic meaning.