Please clarify the rules for third endings

[Keith88]

Hi Eric,

Here is a chord chart for "The Nearness of You" that has the structure you describe: AA'BA''. It plays the two A sections with first and second endings, continues to the bridge and returns to the opening measures of the A section going to a third ending. On the last time through the form, it goes to a coda instead of the turn-around at the end of the tune.

The rules are pretty simple: put a repeat sign at the end of the first and second endings and a double bar at the end of the third ending. You don't need a repeat sign at the beginning of the chart. However, if there is an introduction that is not part of the form, then a repeat sign at the beginning of the form is necessary.

I hope this gives you a good example.

Nearness Of You (demo), The - Hoagy Carmichael