Nashville Notation

Understanding Nashville Notation

Nashville Notation uses numbers instead of Chord Symbols to identifying the chords in a song. It is closely related to Roman Numeral analysis. The number used is the scale degree of the root of the chord, just like in Roman Numeral analysis, but it uses standard numbers instead of roman numerals. It is placed above the lyrics in a chord chart and typically is not used with a staff or written music.

Nashville Notation is usually used for popular styles of music rather than classical.

The quality of the chord is shown in the same way as Chord Symbols.

Diminished = [number]^o - ex: 7^o
minor = [number]m, or [number]- for example: 2m or 2-
Major = [number], for example: 1
Augmented = [number]⁺, for example: 3⁺

To review Scale Degrees see Scale Degrees.

To review Roman Numerals see Roman Numerals.

For a review of Chord Symbols see Chord Symbols.

For a review of triads see Triad Types.

The Key

Nashville Numbers are not dependent on the key. This means that you can change the key of the song and the numbers stay the same. Therefore, a chord chart written using Nashville Numbers will work in any key, whereas a chord chart using Chord Symbols will only work for one key.

Below are each of the triads and their Nashville Numbers in the key of C major.

      1    2m    3m    4    5    6m    7^o

Below is an example of a chord progression using Nashville Notation.

1 4 2m 5 6m

Below is an example of what it might look like if it was written out in the key of D. Remember, though, that it could be realized in any key.

        1 4 2m 5 6m                   

             

How to Identify Chords Using Nashville Notation

           

        

Identify the Key. To idenfity the key, you will need to know your key signatures. For now, all of our Nashville Notation exercises will be in major keys. In the example above, the key signature tells us we are in the key of Eb major.
Identify the Root of the Chord. Stack the chord in thirds to find the root of the chord. In the example above the notes stack in 3rds to form a chord with a Bb root.
        
Identify the Scale Degree of the Root. Count up from the tonic of the scale to determine the scale degree number. In the above example, the tonic note (scale degree 1) is Eb. If we count up from Eb we find that Bb is scale degree 5 or the Dominant. Eb = 1, F = 2, G = 3, Ab = 4, and Bb = 5.
Identify the Quality of the Chord. Place the correct Nashville Number based on the quality of the chord. If you have memorized the Diatonic Chords in Major, you will know that the chord build on the fifth scale degree is always major. Therefore the correct Roman Numeral is 5.

How to Build a Chord Given the Nashville Number

Build a 3m in the key of A

Select a Key. Remember, Nashville Numbers can be realized in any key. For this example, we have choosen the key of A major.
Identify the Root of the Chord. Count up the scale to find the root of the chord. To do this you will need to know your key signatures or your scales. If we count up from A in the A major scale, we find that C♯ is scale degree 3. A = 1, B = 2, C♯ = 3.
    
Build the Triad. Build a triad by stacking two more thirds above the root: an E and a G.
      
Add the Accidentals to Form the Correct Quality. If you have your key signatures memorized, then you will know what accidentals to add. The key of A major has three sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯. So we will need to add a sharp to the G to form a G♯.
       

The Quality Modifiers Are Optional

The quality modifiers in Nashville Notation (m,^o, and ⁺) are optional. This is because the quality of the chords built on each scale degree stay the same no matter what key is used.

In major, 1, 4, 5 are always major, 2, 3, 6 are always minor, and 7 is always diminished. Therefore, some Nashville Notation charts will not include the quality modifier. We will be using them in our exercises to help reinforce the quality of each diatonic chord, but don't be surprised if you find Nashville Notation charts without the quality modifiers.