Tonal Functions
Each tone found in a chord serves a particular function within that chord. For example, within the chord:

G minor seventh chord

Note Function
G root
D fifth (forms interval 5th with root)
F minor seventh
Bb minor tenth (minor 3rd + octave)

The combination of these tones results in the chord known as the minor seventh:

I + IIIb + V + VII = Imin7
= Gmin7 (G as tonic)

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