#Nashville number system chart symbols full#

Thanks to the symmetrical nature of the guitar, we now find ourselves with a G Major Scale. To illustrate how we can use this interval makeup of a Major Scale to build other major scales on the guitar, we'll just move the above shape down to the 6th or low E string. If we abbreviate 'whole step' with a 'W' and 'half step' with an 'H' we can define a major scale by its intervals like this: WWHWWWH. A major scale always is made up of two whole steps, one half step, followed by three more whole steps and one more half step. In this example, it is easy to see the whole/half step makeup and thus we arrive at the makeup of EVERY Major Scale. Since we are building this scale off of the C note, C is considered the 'tonic' of the scale. In this scale we have notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B and then the octave C. Let's look at a C major scale played exclusively on the 5th or A string: A major scale is made up of 7 different notes separated by its own make up of whole steps and half steps. A half step is defined as a distance of 1 fret (from fret 1 to fret 2). A whole step is defined on the guitar as a distance of 2 frets (for example from fret 1 to fret 3 would be considered a whole step). Let's take a moment and look at what makes a scale, a MAJOR Scale.Д®very scale is made up a unique 'chemistry' of whole steps and half steps - distances between notes in a scale (also called intervals). Learning the Number System depends first on a fundamental understanding of the Major Scale. While the system originated in Nashville among studio musicians to help them transpose country tunes quickly, it is used all over the world and in almost every genre of music to help musicians more effectively communicate amongst themselves. just grab the capo right? What about the rest of the band? What if you want to try the songs out in a few different keys to find the one that best matches her voice?Д«oth of the above stories can have a very happy ending if you and your fellow band mates are well acquainted with the Nashville Number System. She shows up and starts trying to sing along and everyone quickly realizes that these songs are keyed way to low for her. You've been trying for months to talk this amazing female singer in to joining your group and she's finally coming over today to check out what you guys sound like. Here's another scenario: You (the guitarist and low male singer) are working up a few songs with a keys player, a drummer and a bass player. we'll come in at the top on the 5 chord.' At this point, you breathe a sigh of relief because you remembered reading this article in its entirety, OR you start hyperventilating and wake up from one of your worst dreams ever. The other guitarist leans over to you and says, 'Nothing to worry about man, this first song is a simple 1, 2, 4, 5 progression, and then in the bridge, we'll go to a 6, 4, 5 and then transition back to the chorus on the 2.

#Nashville number system chart symbols full#

There's no music on stage, only a set list full of a bunch of songs you've never played. You leave your comfortable seat behind, pick up one of their backup guitars and plug in.

Towards the end of their set, the lead singer singles you out and asks you to come jam the last few tunes with them. Picture this: You're sitting in a club watching a band.