Nashville Number System Chart Pdf

Music Theory Part 2: “CAGED” and the Nashville Number System Download the Music Theory Chart that goes with this lesson. It’s a printable PDF with the chromatic scale wheel, a scale interval list, all the CAGED Chords, and the notes of the guitar neck in standard tuning. Nashville Number System: Collected Symbols ^ = Crash/Accent played on the on downbeat (NNS.) number or 1 (NNS).

From Rookanga Digital, LLC:
WITH THE NUMBER SYSTEM, 1CHART IS ALL YOU NEEDCreate, share and print professional-looking Nashville Number charts, with the only app specifically designed for the system.Make your chart as straightforward or detailed as you like using 1Chart's streamlined interface and comprehensive character sets. CHART FASTER AND SMARTER- Take advantage of clear typography that makes your charts a quicker, easier read- Copy and paste measures or entire sections for faster charting- View charts in your choice of three font sizes- Share charts as PDFs or as editable 1Chart filesQUICKLY TYPE CHORDS - 1Charts Chord Keyboard makes it easy to add chords and chord qualities- Includes support for chord inversions, as well as common and not-so-common chord qualities ('alt' chord, anyone?)- Accidentals before or after chord numbers? 1Chart accommodates both points of view a simple toggle switch lets you set the preference forever and forget it, or you can toggle individual charts back and forth as needed (even after theyre written) to accommodate other players preferences.SUPPORT FOR RHYTHMIC NOTATION & DYNAMICS- Add as much rhythm/dynamic detail as you need. 1Chart includes characters for pushes, diamonds, the 'mute triangle,' etc., as well as the traditional notes and rests used in the Number System (whole, half, quarter, 8th, 16th, and the augmentation dot).- Use traditional notation or 'hash marks' to specify beat distribution in split measures- Select an area to mark it with a crescendo, decrescendo, ritardando or accelerandoADVANCED RHYTHMIC NOTATION- Beam notes above a single chord (for example, to show an eight-note feel) or across multiple chords (to show groove or beat distribution)- Tie notes and diamondsTOOLS TO HELP BUILD YOUR ARRANGEMENT- Use repeat symbols, codas, segnos, etc. to streamline your arrangement- Select an area to specify it as a 1st/2nd/etc. ending- Separate sections with a single- or double-underline, or specify no formatting if you preferFINE-TUNE YOUR CHARTS' FORMAT- Option to align measures in columns (4, 5 or 6 columns per line)- Option to style inversions with a horizontal or diagonal dividing line- Choose the 'Minimize Horizontal Spacing' option to fit more content per lineALL YOUR CHARTS, ALL IN ONE PLACE- View all your 1Chart files in a sortable list, or- Use Notebooks to collect your charts in easy-to-manage collections, sortable by name, date or a custom sequence you define (to mirror your set list, etc.)- Share your charts by email- Import from and export to cloud services such as iCloud Drive, Dropbox and Google Drive. Imported files must be in 1Chart (.1ch) format.- Share your charts in PDF or .1ch formats. ONLINE SUPPORT & USER FORUMVisit us at 1chartapp.com for help info and to join the user community.ABOUT THE NASHVILLE NUMBER SYSTEMNashville Numbers is an ingenious shorthand system for charting music that identifies chords by number (relating to scale degree) rather than letter, so charts are key-independent. A Number chart is valid no matter what key you choose to play it in. For example, take a blues progression spelled with the chord letters, A, D, and E. In the Number System, these three chords are written as 1, 4, 5. The numbers match the position of the chords in the A scale: A is first, D is fourth, and E is fifth. Because the scale relationships don't change when you change keys, the 1, 4, 5 works for any key. Change the key to G, and 1, 4, 5 indicates youll want to play G, C and D the first, fourth, and fifth notes of the G major scale.Combine this flexibility with rhythmic and dynamic notation, and youve got a powerful format for creating concise roadmaps of songs for use when practicing, rehearsing or performing.

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Nashville Number System Chart Pdf Online

From Rookanga Digital, LLC:
WITH THE NUMBER SYSTEM, 1CHART IS ALL YOU NEEDCreate, share and print professional-looking Nashville Number charts, with the only app specifically designed for the system.Make your chart as straightforward or detailed as you like using 1Chart's streamlined interface and comprehensive character sets. CHART FASTER AND SMARTER- Take advantage of clear typography that makes your charts a quicker, easier read- Copy and paste measures or entire sections for faster charting- View charts in your choice of three font sizes- Share charts as PDFs or as editable 1Chart filesQUICKLY TYPE CHORDS - 1Charts Chord Keyboard makes it easy to add chords and chord qualities- Includes support for chord inversions, as well as common and not-so-common chord qualities ('alt' chord, anyone?)- Accidentals before or after chord numbers? 1Chart accommodates both points of view a simple toggle switch lets you set the preference forever and forget it, or you can toggle individual charts back and forth as needed (even after theyre written) to accommodate other players preferences.SUPPORT FOR RHYTHMIC NOTATION & DYNAMICS- Add as much rhythm/dynamic detail as you need. 1Chart includes characters for pushes, diamonds, the 'mute triangle,' etc., as well as the traditional notes and rests used in the Number System (whole, half, quarter, 8th, 16th, and the augmentation dot).- Use traditional notation or 'hash marks' to specify beat distribution in split measures- Select an area to mark it with a crescendo, decrescendo, ritardando or accelerandoADVANCED RHYTHMIC NOTATION- Beam notes above a single chord (for example, to show an eight-note feel) or across multiple chords (to show groove or beat distribution)- Tie notes and diamondsTOOLS TO HELP BUILD YOUR ARRANGEMENT- Use repeat symbols, codas, segnos, etc. to streamline your arrangement- Select an area to specify it as a 1st/2nd/etc. ending- Separate sections with a single- or double-underline, or specify no formatting if you preferFINE-TUNE YOUR CHARTS' FORMAT- Option to align measures in columns (4, 5 or 6 columns per line)- Option to style inversions with a horizontal or diagonal dividing line- Choose the 'Minimize Horizontal Spacing' option to fit more content per lineALL YOUR CHARTS, ALL IN ONE PLACE- View all your 1Chart files in a sortable list, or- Use Notebooks to collect your charts in easy-to-manage collections, sortable by name, date or a custom sequence you define (to mirror your set list, etc.)- Share your charts by email- Import from and export to cloud services such as iCloud Drive, Dropbox and Google Drive. Imported files must be in 1Chart (.1ch) format.- Share your charts in PDF or .1ch formats. ONLINE SUPPORT & USER FORUMVisit us at 1chartapp.com for help info and to join the user community.ABOUT THE NASHVILLE NUMBER SYSTEMNashville Numbers is an ingenious shorthand system for charting music that identifies chords by number (relating to scale degree) rather than letter, so charts are key-independent. A Number chart is valid no matter what key you choose to play it in. For example, take a blues progression spelled with the chord letters, A, D, and E. In the Number System, these three chords are written as 1, 4, 5. The numbers match the position of the chords in the A scale: A is first, D is fourth, and E is fifth. Because the scale relationships don't change when you change keys, the 1, 4, 5 works for any key. Change the key to G, and 1, 4, 5 indicates youll want to play G, C and D the first, fourth, and fifth notes of the G major scale.Combine this flexibility with rhythmic and dynamic notation, and youve got a powerful format for creating concise roadmaps of songs for use when practicing, rehearsing or performing.
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The Nashville Number System is a method of transcribing music by denoting the scale degree on which a chord is built. It was developed by Neal Matthews in the late 1950s as a simplified system for The Jordanaires to use in the studio and further developed by Charlie McCoy.[1] It resembles the Roman numeral[2] and figured bass systems traditionally used to transcribe a chord progression since as early as the 1700s. The Nashville Number System was compiled and published in a book by Chas Williams in 1988.

The Nashville Number System is a trick that musicians use to figure out chord progressions on the fly. It is an easy tool to use if you understand how music works. It has been around for about four hundred years but sometime during the past fifty years [approximately 1953-2003] Nashville got the credit.

The Nashville numbering system provided us the shorthand that we needed so that we could depend on our ears rather than a written arrangement. It took far less time to jot the chords, and once you had the chart written, it applied to any key. The beauty of the system is that we don't have to read. We don't get locked into an arrangement that we may feel is not as good as one we can improvise.

— The Jordanaires' Neal Matthews Jr.[4]

The Nashville Number System can be used by someone with only a rudimentary background in music theory.[2]Improvisation structures can be explained using numbers and chord changes can be communicated mid-song by holding up the corresponding number of fingers. The system is flexible, and can be embellished to include more information (such as chord color or to denote a bass note in an inverted chord). The system makes it easy for bandleaders, record producer or lead vocalist to change the key of songs when recording in the studio or playing live, since the new key just has to be stated before the song is started. The rhythm section members can then use their knowledge of harmony to perform the song in a new key.

  • 2Chord type

Scale degrees and major chords[edit]

C=1, D=2, E=3... Play

The Nashville Number System, (also referred to as NNS) is similar to (movable-do) Solfège, which uses 'Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Ti' to represent the seven scale degrees of the Major scale. It is also similar to roman numeral analysis; however, the NNS instead uses Arabic numerals to represent each of the scale degrees.

In the key of C, the numbers would correspond as follows:

C=1, D=2, E=3, F=4, G=5, A=6, B=7.

Nashville numerical notation1234567
So-Fa names/SolfègeDoReMiFaSoLaTi
Common musical notationCDEFGAB


In the key of B, the numbers would be B=1, C=2, D=3, E=4, F=5, G=6, A=7.

The key may be specified at the top of the written chord chart, or given orally by the bandleader, record producer or lead singer. The numbers do not change when transposing the composition into another key. They are simply relative to the new root note. The only knowledge required is to know the major scale for the given key. Unless otherwise notated, all numbers represent major chords, and each chord should be played for one measure.

So in the key of C, the Nashville Number System notation:

represents a four-bar phrase, in which the band would play a C major chord (one bar), an F major chord (one bar), a C major chord (one bar), and a G major chord (one bar).

Here is an example of how two four bar phrases can be formed to create a section of a song.

NNSPlayed in key of CPlayed in key of G
Verse)Verse)Verse)

Accidentals modifying a scale degree are usually written to the left of the number. 7 ('flat 7') represents a B major chord in the key of C, or an A major chord in the key of B, or an F major chord in the key of G.

Chord type[edit]

A number by itself represents the enharmonic triad (music) on the scale degree:

Nashville numerical notation1234567
Chord type (major key)majorminorminormajormajorminordiminished
Chord type (minor key)minordiminishedmajorminorminormajormajor
Chord type (harmonic minor key)minordiminishedaugmentedminormajormajordiminished

If the song includes other chords besides these triads, additional notation is needed.

If a chord root is not in the scale, the symbols or can be added. In the key of C major, an E triad would be notated as 3.

Minor chords (outside the key) are noted with a dash after the number or a lower case m, In the key of D, 1 is D major, 1- or 1m would be D minor. Similarly a major chord can be noted with a capital M. In the key of C, 2 is D minor, 2M is D major.

Other chord qualities such as major sevenths, suspended chords, and dominant sevenths use familiar symbols: 4Δ7 5sus 57 1 would stand forFΔ7 Gsus G7 C in the key of C, orEΔ7 Fsus F7 B in the key of B. A superscript 2 means 'add 2' or 'add 9'.

Chord inversions and chords with other altered bass notes are notated analogously to regular slash chord notation. In the key of C, C/E (C major first inversion, with E bass) is written as 1/3; G/B is written as 5/7; A/G (an inversion of A7) is written as 6M/5; F/G (F major with G bass) is 4/5. Just as with simple chords, the numbers refer to scale degrees; specifically, the scale degree number used for the bass note is that of the note's position in the tonic's scale (as opposed to, for example, that of its position in the scale of the chord being played). In the key of B, 1/3 stands for B/D, 5/7 stands for F/A, 6/5 stands for Gm/F, and 4/5 stands for E/F.

Depending on the style, you can use chord inversions to achieve an alternative sound when using the Nashville Number System. Some examples that could be applied to practice is the 1-4-5 chord progression. Lets say we use the C minor chord and couple it with an inverted F Minor chord to a G diminished. The sound attributes changes subtly. This can be effective when you're attempting to capture a specific emotion or sound.

Chord qualities[edit]

- = m[2] = minor
7 = dominant 7th
Δ = major 7th - (it takes four characters to write 'maj7' as opposed to one, 'Δ')
° = diminished
°7 = diminished seventh
°M7 = diminished major seventh
+ = augmented 5th
ø = ø7 = half diminished seventh
+7 = augmented minor seventh
+M7 = +Δ = augmented major seventh

Rhythm and articulation[edit]

NNS charts use unique rhythmic symbols as well, and variations in practice exist. A diamond shape around a number indicates that the chord should be held out or allowed to ring as a whole note. Conversely, the marcato symbol ^ over the number, or a staccato dot underneath, indicates that the chord should be immediately choked or stopped. The 'push' symbol ('<' and '>' are both used) syncopates the indicated chord, moving its attack back one eighth note, to the preceding 'and'. A sequence of several chords in a single measure is notated by underlining the desired chord numbers. (Some charts use parentheses or a box for this.) If you underline two numbers it is assumed that the chord values are even. In 4/4 time that would mean the first chord would be played for two beats and the second chord would be played for two beats. 2- 5 1 means a minor 2 chord for two beats, then a 5 chord for two beats, then a 1 chord for four beats. If the measure is not evenly divided, beats can be indicated by dots or hash marks over the chord numbers. Three dots over a given chord would tell you to play that chord for three beats. Alternatively, rhythmic notation can be used.

Example[edit]

Nashville number system symbols

Nashville Number System Chart Pdf Free

'After You've Gone' by Creamer and Layton 1918

Nashville Number System Chord Chart

Verse, mm.7-23 (Play realization on guitar and, for comparison, the score Play):

Chorus, mm.24-43 (Play realization on guitar and, for comparison, the score Play):

See also[edit]

  • Nashville E9 tuning and Nashville tuning (high strung)
Nashville number system chord chart

Guitar Number System Chart

References[edit]

  1. ^The Nashville Number System by Chas Williams — This book has been used by Belmont University, MTSU, ETSU, Lee University, Liberty University and many others to teach the NNS. It includes the CD 'String Of Pearls and number charts of the songs by Nashville studio musicians and producers; also interactive charts of the songs.
  2. ^ abcMiller, Michael (2005). The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, p.243. Penguin. ISBN9781592574377. 'The Nashville Number System is very much like the Roman numeral notation system, expect it uses regular numbers...instead of Roman numerals.
  3. ^Costello, Patrick (2003). The how and the Tao of Folk Guitar: Volume One: Getting Started, p.54. Funkyseagull.com. ISBN9780974419015.
  4. ^Marshall, Wolf (2008). Stuff! Good Guitar Players Should Know: An A-Z Guide to Getting Better, p.70. Hal Leonard. ISBN9781423430087.

External links[edit]

Nashville Number System Chart Pdf

  • The Nashville Number Fake Book by Trevor de Clercq — This book includes a detailed overview of the Nashville Number System as well as complete charts for 200 acclaimed country songs.
  • The Nashville Number System – Site for the book Song Charting Made Easy: a Play-along Guide to the Nashville Number System by Jim Riley, with a preview including charts and play-along music tracks
  • The Number Song – a chart with (auto-playing) audio explanation and playthrough by Jimi Whitelaw, Chip Hardy, Rod Lewis, and Tim Grogan of Nashville Demo Studio. Shows standard musical notation such as repeat signs, D.S. al coda, rhythmic notation, and staccato dots used in a Nashville Number System chart.
  • Learn the Nashville Number System – information on rhythm notation is included in the Flash-based 'Nashville Number System Quiz and Rhythm Tutorial'. Also includes a separate Flash-based ear training quiz.
  • Oral use example: 'Ok.. it's a standard 12 bar in 'G' but add a 2 on the bridge ...kick it off from the 5 ... hit the 4 on the way down and then into the 1 ... watch me for the 2'
  • Diamond on the 1 – a 'gig bag book' by Nashville musician Jonathan Riggs that introduces the basic concepts of the Nashville Number System

Free Nashville Number System

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