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(half step is up to the very next note, a whole step is up two notes) The Major scale then follows this mathematical sequence: whole whole half whole whole whole half, the last half step gets you back to the 1. The sharp (#) notes above could also be written in flats as bB Db Eb Gb and Ab. The notes run: A A# B C C# D D# E F F# G G# repeat If you were say charting a song in the key of A, you must first figure out what the 7 notes are in the key of A. Ok, for starters the system is based on the Major scale. You may find yourself always hearing numbers when you listen to songs, even out at a restaurant! (ha) Some lack of standardization of how one writes Number system charts, especially in regards to rhythm. Other band members (outside of Nashville) that don't know the system may not know what you are talking about. Things can get a little tricky with minor keys. One has to know each key very well, as the transpose work is done on the fly. The drummer may find the detail a bit lacking, but at least he/she will see the arrangement. I often use the number system during my lessons for ear training, no perfect pitch required!ĭoes not work so well to describe complicated rhythms.ĭoes not work well for rif type parts, or single note fills and lines. It can truly help you to develop your ear even if you don't use the system in a performing situation. You learn to think, hear and identify chord progressions regardless of their key.
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With practice you will probably be able to write charts without even needing your instrument in hand. With practice the chart can be written very fast, way faster than on a staff or tab and perhaps as fast as just one or two listens of the song. Most of the time you can fit a song on just one page, so no page turning. The same chart works for all instruments. The same chart can be used easily for any key (probably the main reason it is so popular, well other than many not being so good at staff reading!). In a nut shell the "Nashville Number System" is for charting music without using a typical staff or tab. In the end though I truly believe this system is very handy for most musicians, Nashville based or not. As a live player you may be expected to play charts thrown at you on stage at the last second, and/or even understand what it means when the keyboard player says it's in B and play "fourteen fifteen fifty five" and then the drummer counts it off.
#What do lines under numbers mean nashville number system chart full
The studio pros are so good at this they can often chart a song from a work tape/CD in just one or two passes, make copies for the band, and get a keeper track in the first, or second run through playing as a full band. I should also mention the number system is the way most recording sessions go in Nashville, both demo work and full master sessions. Currently I have probably over 1000 songs charted, and just recently I scanned them all into an Ipad to use with the Fourscore viewer app. In the end unless you are incredible at memorization and don't need charts you can still do an excellent job IF you can get your charts in order and read them well on the gig. How are you going to learn 30-40 new songs in 2-3 days, or worse yet learn them on the plane or in the van on the way to the gig? Perhaps the band might have the charts already for you, or you may be expected to do your own charting. Here in Music City it is very common to get calls for last minute gigs, and I really mean last minute. Currently I am a full time musician and guitar instructor and play in 4 different bands (not including last minute sub calls) and using the system has really helped to keep up with it all. It is definately hard to get going in this town unless you get competent with it quickly. I've lived in Nashville now since 1998, and the "Nashville Number System" has changed the way I work and even think about music immensley. I thought this might be of interest, and it appears there hasn't been many threads here on the subject.