Nashville number system

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Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. 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, Jr. in the late 1950s as a simplified system for The Jordanaires to use in the studio and further developed by Charlie McCoy. It resembles the Roman numeral and figured bass systems traditionally used to transcribe a chord progression since as early as the 1700s.

The Nashville Number System can be used by someone with only a rudimentary background in music theory. 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 to change the key of songs, since the new key just has to be stated before the song is recorded.

Scale degrees and major chords

The Nashville Number System, (also referred to as NNS) is similar to (movable-do) Solfège, which uses "Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Si" to represent the seven scale degrees of the Major scale. However the NNS instead uses numbers 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. 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 chart, or given orally. 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

1    4     1    5

represents a four-bar phrase playing a C major chord, an F major chord, a C major chord, and a G major chord, for one measure each.


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

NNS Played in key of C Played in key of G 
Verse) 
  
1    4    5    4

1    1    5    5

Verse) 
  
C    F    G    F
           
C    C    G    G

Verse) 
  
G    C    D    C
           
G    G    D    D

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.

Other chord types

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 6/5; F/G (F major with G bass) is 4/5. Just as with simple chords, the numbers refer to scale degrees. In the key of B♭, 1/3 stands for B♭/D, 5/7 stands for F/A, 6/5 stands for G/F, and 4/5 stands for E♭/F.

Minor chords are noted with a dash after the number. In the key of C, 2- would be D minor. Other chord qualities such as major sevenths, suspended chords, and dominant sevenths use familiar symbols: 4Δ7 5sus 57 1 would stand for FΔ7 Gsus G7 C in the key of C, or E♭Δ7 Fsus F7 B♭ in the key of B♭. A superscript 2 means "add 2" or "add 9".

Rhythm and articulation

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.

See also

External links

  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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 blog with explanations and examples, promoting the book Diamond on the 1 by Jonathan Riggs
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