Nashville Numbers Primer

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Nashville numbers is a shorthand way of communicating the chords in a song created by Nashville session players.  The reason this method is so helpful is because it is NOT key specific, and thus is a relative approach to songwriting. 

Because of this, players must think of songs as progressions and chord functions as opposed to simply C major, F major, etc.   This allows key changes to be done quickly, simply, and also makes for more thoughtful arranging and playing.

Let’s jump in:  Whatever key you are in, that’s the I (one) Chord.  

So, if you are in the key of C major, then the C major chord is I.  The I chord is “home base”, and is the complete resolution of all musical tension.  

The flavor or feeling of a song is created by the function of its chords, and all of the chords function in relation to "home."  This is known as Chord Function.  

In musical terms, the key (or key center) is called the root or the one (I) chord.  Therefore, in the key of C major, the note C is the root and the C major chord is the one (I) chord, the II Chord will be Dmi, III Chord will be Emi, and so on. 

The one, four, and five chords are always major.

The two, three, and six chords are always minor.  

The seventh chord is diminished.  Don't worry about diminished just yet. 

A progression tells you what chords are in a song - but not the key.  You need to start viewing chords as performing functions relative to the key center, root, or one chord.  With this knowledge you understand how any song can be played in any key.  Chords exist in a context, not alone.  It is the chord function that is important. 

For example, play a I IV V in the key of C major: The chords are C major, F major, and G major, respectively.  

The C major chord functions as "home."  The F major chord will function as going "away."  And the G major chord will function as if it wants to "go towards home."  

Now try the same I IV V progression in the key of G major.  The chords will now be G major, C major, and D major, respectively.  Now the G major chord will function as "home."  The C major chord will function as going "away."  And the D major chord will function as if it wants to "go towards home."  

You will find that the functions of the chords are the same for each key, but the overall flavor or feeling is different.  The key is different, but the progression is the same.

Start developing an "active ear."  Think about the function of the chords you are playing.  Don't be passive.  Are they creating or resolving tension?  Are they going towards or away from home?  Everything serves a purpose!