ABSTRACT
Chords and lines represent two interconnected musical forces that are capable of producing an amazing variety of linear and harmonic patterns. In a certain sense, harmonic function can be defined as a contextual feature that can be attributed to a chord, a family of chords, harmonic progressions, or even to complete melodic phrases. The uniqueness of each harmonic function is defined by universal and well-tested characteristics of functional tonality. The function symbol notation is the least used notational system in jazz. As the name suggests, this notation specifies the harmonic function of individual chords and even complete chord progressions. Function symbols enable the perception of harmonic progressions from a more structural perspective. A functional family combines chords built on different scale degrees that share the same harmonic function and voice-leading behaviors. Voice leading controls the interaction between chords and lines within harmonic progressions.
