Nashville Number System

The Nashville Number System (also referred to as NNS) is similar to (movable-do) Solfège, which uses "Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Tí" 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: 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 relative to the new Tonic. The only required knowledge is the major scale for the given key. Unless otherwise noted, 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: 1 4 1 5 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. == Chord type==

A number by itself (without any other notation) is assumed to represent a major chord. Minor chords are noted with a dash after the number or a lowercase m; in the key of D, 1 is D major, and 4− or 4m would be G minor. Often in the NNS, songs in minor keys will be written in the 6− of the relative major key. So if the song was in G minor, the key would be listed as B major, and G minor chords would appear as 6−. 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. In the key of A major, an F major triad would be notated as 6. Other chord qualities such as major sevenths, suspended chords, and dominant sevenths use familiar symbols: 47 5sus 57 1 would stand for F7 Gsus G7 C in the key of C, or E7 Fsus F7 B in the key of B. A2 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; Am/G (an inversion of Am7) 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, 6m/5 stands for Gm/F, and 4/5 stands for E/F. Chord qualities : ==Rhythm and articulation==

NNS charts also use unique rhythmic symbols, 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 two numbers are underlined, it is assumed that the chord values are even. In 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 the musician to play that chord for three beats. Alternatively, rhythmic notation can be used. ==Example==

"After You've Gone" by Creamer and Layton 1918 Verse, mm.7–23 ( and, for comparison, the score ): Chorus, mm.24-43 ( and, for comparison, the score ): ==See also==