Decide what replaces the recording's ending
A recording may fade while the progression continues, but a live arrangement needs a definite finish. Listen to the final section and choose whether to stop on a final chord, repeat a short phrase, or end with a brief instrumental tag. Keep the first version simple. Note how many repeats you want and where the final lyric ends relative to the accompaniment. The detected chord display describes a recording; it does not decide how your group must close a performance. Make the new ending an explicit arrangement choice that everyone can describe.
Separate arrival from release
Practice reaching the final chord together, then practice ending its sound together. These are different events. Count a fixed number of beats for the sustain or agree on a visible release from one leader. On piano, include the pedal release in that decision. On guitar and ukulele, decide whether strings ring or are muted. Ask the singer whether the last word needs space after the chord attack. Avoid adding a slowdown until the steady version is coordinated; changing tempo can hide disagreement about which beat belongs to the final arrival.
Test the finish from several entrances
Start eight bars before the ending, then from the final chorus, then from the beginning of the song. Check that the repeat count survives each starting point. If someone gets lost, use a distinctive final phrase or a clear hand signal instead of relying on memory alone. Record a short rehearsal take and listen past the last chord: accidental noises and uncertain extra strums are part of the ending too. Leave a moment of silence before speaking. Once the finish is settled, update your separate arrangement notes and rehearse it again next time before adding new decorative details elsewhere.
If you plan to speak immediately afterward, rehearse where that happens too. A clear musical release followed by a short pause usually makes the boundary easier for both the players and the listener to understand.