The Nashville Number System (NNS) is a simple and effective way for musicians to communicate chord progressions and harmonies, regardless of the key. It's a valuable tool for songwriters, composers, and musicians of all levels. If you're looking to get started with the Nashville Number System, here are 10 free charts to print and help you on your musical journey.
What is the Nashville Number System?
The Nashville Number System is a musical notation system that uses numbers to represent chords and scales. It was developed in the 1950s by Neal Matthews Jr., a musician and arranger who worked with the Jordanaires, a popular vocal group of the time. The system is based on the idea that chord progressions and harmonies can be represented using numbers, rather than traditional chord symbols.
How Does the Nashville Number System Work?
In the NNS, each chord is assigned a number based on its relationship to the key. The numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 represent the major and minor chords within a key. For example, in the key of C, the number 1 represents the C major chord, 2 represents the D minor chord, and so on.
The NNS is particularly useful for musicians who need to transpose songs to different keys or for those who want to create harmonies and chord progressions that sound good in any key.
Benefits of Using the Nashville Number System
There are several benefits to using the Nashville Number System, including:
- Easy transposition: With the NNS, you can easily transpose a song to a different key by simply replacing the numbers with the corresponding chords in the new key.
- Improved harmonies: The NNS helps you create harmonies and chord progressions that sound good in any key.
- Simplified communication: The NNS provides a common language for musicians to communicate chord progressions and harmonies, regardless of the key.
- Increased creativity: The NNS can help you think outside the box and come up with new and interesting chord progressions and harmonies.
How to Use the Nashville Number System Charts
To use the Nashville Number System charts, simply find the chart that corresponds to the key you're working in, and then use the numbers to represent the chords in your song. You can also use the charts to create harmonies and chord progressions by experimenting with different number combinations.
Free Nashville Number System Charts to Print
Here are 10 free Nashville Number System charts to print and use:
- Key of C: Download and print the Nashville Number System chart for the key of C.
- Key of G: Download and print the Nashville Number System chart for the key of G.
- Key of Am: Download and print the Nashville Number System chart for the key of A minor.
- Key of Em: Download and print the Nashville Number System chart for the key of E minor.
- Key of D: Download and print the Nashville Number System chart for the key of D.
- Key of A: Download and print the Nashville Number System chart for the key of A.
- Key of E: Download and print the Nashville Number System chart for the key of E.
- Key of Bm: Download and print the Nashville Number System chart for the key of B minor.
- Key of F#m: Download and print the Nashville Number System chart for the key of F# minor.
- Key of Ab: Download and print the Nashville Number System chart for the key of Ab.
Getting the Most Out of the Nashville Number System
To get the most out of the Nashville Number System, it's essential to practice using the charts and experimenting with different number combinations. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start with simple chord progressions and gradually move on to more complex ones.
- Experiment with different keys and see how the numbers change.
- Use the charts to create harmonies and chord progressions for your songs.
- Practice transposing songs to different keys using the NNS.
Conclusion
The Nashville Number System is a powerful tool for musicians, songwriters, and composers. With these 10 free charts to print, you can start using the NNS to improve your harmonies, chord progressions, and communication with other musicians. Remember to practice regularly and experiment with different number combinations to get the most out of the system.
What is the Nashville Number System?
+The Nashville Number System is a musical notation system that uses numbers to represent chords and scales.
How does the Nashville Number System work?
+In the NNS, each chord is assigned a number based on its relationship to the key.
What are the benefits of using the Nashville Number System?
+The NNS provides easy transposition, improved harmonies, simplified communication, and increased creativity.