Why learn the Number System?
Lots of musicians use the Nashville Number System as a way to communicate with each other, in order to help streamline practices and rehearsals. We at CG Worship wanted to give you a resource to learn the basics of this system if you would like to!
What is the Number System?
The Nashville Number System is where you assign a number to the corresponding scale degree in the key you are playing in so, you can more effectively and efficiently communicate with the music and musicians around you.
- Example: If you are in the key of G, the G Major scale would go as follows: G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F#dim, and then back to G. Applying the number system to this would look like:
1 2- 3- 4 5 6- 7dim 1
G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F#dim, G
Lots of musicians use the Nashville Number System as a way to communicate with each other, in order to help streamline practices and rehearsals. We at CG Worship wanted to give you a resource to learn the basics of this system if you would like to!
What is the Number System?
The Nashville Number System is where you assign a number to the corresponding scale degree in the key you are playing in so, you can more effectively and efficiently communicate with the music and musicians around you.
- Example: If you are in the key of G, the G Major scale would go as follows: G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F#dim, and then back to G. Applying the number system to this would look like:
1 2- 3- 4 5 6- 7dim 1
G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F#dim, G
Exercises and Tips
In each key, play the 1, 4, 5 chords in order, two measures each, over and over till you’ve memorized it.
- Then, add in the 6m chord.
- Then, add in the 2m chord.
Convert a familiar chord chart into numbers only, and seek to play by numbers in the most familiar key.
- Now, play it in a different key, by numbers.
- Now, play it in 2 more, different keys.
*Extra Chord Notation (flats, sharps and chord extensions)
To denote a slash chord, 1/5 means play the 1 chord with a note in the bass.
To denote a 7th or extension chord, 57 (superscript the 7 if you can) means a V7 chord.
To denote a flat or sharp chord, a "b" or "#" changes the chord. Ex. 3b or 3#
In each key, play the 1, 4, 5 chords in order, two measures each, over and over till you’ve memorized it.
- Then, add in the 6m chord.
- Then, add in the 2m chord.
Convert a familiar chord chart into numbers only, and seek to play by numbers in the most familiar key.
- Now, play it in a different key, by numbers.
- Now, play it in 2 more, different keys.
*Extra Chord Notation (flats, sharps and chord extensions)
To denote a slash chord, 1/5 means play the 1 chord with a note in the bass.
To denote a 7th or extension chord, 57 (superscript the 7 if you can) means a V7 chord.
To denote a flat or sharp chord, a "b" or "#" changes the chord. Ex. 3b or 3#
You can grab a PDF Version of this below!
No Comments