These combinations of notes form triads in the same predictable pattern for every key. For example, in the key, start on then move up a scale step for each note ie. A triad is built on each note of the major scale. The Harmonized Major Scale In order to understand the Nashville number system, you need to understand the relationship of chords within a key. This lesson teaches the basics of reading and understanding the Nashville Number System notation and how you can use it to notate a lot of musical information quickly and effectively. Its a way of notating music using numbers associated with the function of a chord within a given key. The Nashville Number System is a musical shorthand that was developed in the studios in Nashville Tennessee in the 50s and 60s made famous by legendary studio musicians like Harold Bradley and Chet Atkins. Since that time, Ive seen, used, and written this notation numerous times. On that bandstand, many years ago was my crash course in the Nashville Number System. I did my best to keep up and play the guitar part as we began the tune. As you do, the chord types will change.The Nashville Number System Its ! Keep moving this triad pattern note by note up the scale until you get to the C an octave above where you started. Now, take that same finger pattern, pick up your hand and move it up the scale to the note next door, plopping your thumb on D, middle finger on F, and pinky on A. Play it loud and strong and enjoy its life-affirming, uplifting major-ness. But why? To make a triad, which is a chord made of three notes, put your thumb on middle C, your middle finger on E, and your pinky on G. If someone throws in a turnaround you might find yourself playing an Am to a Dm to a G and back to C. You might have noticed that certain chords in a common progression usually tend to be major and certain chords tend to be minor. Remember Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music? All About Those Chords To understand the Nashville system, you need to understand which chords are always written as major and which chords are always written as minor. When you get back to C, sing the number 1 again. Songs are simply a collection of chords built upon notes within a scale, usually the major scale. We have to go back to basics and revisit the foundation of modern music: the major scale, which is also known as the Ionian mode. I want you to use it, by gum! Your life and mine will be so much easier if you do. So, you need to understand how and why the number system works so you can make it work for you. Read this lesson and then watch the video at the end to fully understand how notes turn into numbers. Once you know it and become adept at hearing intervals you can chart songs while listening to them on an airplane with no instrument in sight.
#Nashville number system chart download zip
98597 extended zip codeĮveryone in this town uses it. The Nashville number system is a shorthand way to write charts for songs. Do you want to be able to chart songs lightning fast? Do you want to be able to play your favorite song in any key? If so, the Nashville number system will be your new best friend.