How to Use This Tool

Get the most out of our Nashville Numbers chart with these tips and best practices

Using the Chart Tool

1

Select Your Key

Click the tab on the right side of the screen (or the arrow if it's collapsed) to open the key selector. Choose your song's key from the menu.

2

Read the Chart

The chart shows you all 7 Nashville numbers with their corresponding notes and chord qualities (Major, minor, or diminished) for your selected key.

3

Toggle Instrument View (Optional)

Click the 🎸 icon to see instrument-specific references. Currently supports bass fretboard positions, with guitar and piano coming soon!

4

Reference While Playing

Keep the chart open on your device during rehearsal or live performance. It's mobile-friendly and designed for quick reference!

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip

Bookmark this page and add it to your home screen on mobile for instant access during rehearsals and worship services!

Device Recommendations

Choosing the right device makes a big difference in your experience during live use:

βœ… Best: Tablet

Tablets offer the ideal balance of portability, screen size, and readability.

  • Perfect screen size for quick reference without squinting
  • Easy to mount on a music stand
  • Battery lasts through long rehearsals
  • Large enough to see chord details clearly

πŸ‘ Works Great: Desktop/Laptop

Excellent for music directors, home practice, and planning sessions.

  • Large screen makes everything easy to read
  • Perfect for planning setlists and arrangements
  • Great for teaching and demonstration
  • Ideal for at-home practice and learning

⚠️ Works Fine: Phone

Phones work in a pinch, but limited screen real estate can make it challenging during live use.

  • Always have it with you (emergency backup)
  • Great for quick reference during practice
  • Limited screen space for all the information
  • Note: Landscape mode doesn't work well on phones

Setup & Best Practices

Physical Setup

Music Stand Mounting

Mount your tablet or laptop on a music stand at eye level for easy reference without breaking your playing posture.

Optimal Positioning

Position your device within your natural sight lineβ€”you shouldn't have to turn your head or strain to see it.

Lighting Considerations

Adjust screen brightness for stage lighting conditions. Too bright can be distracting; too dim and you can't read it.

Backup Plan

Always have your phone as a backup in case your primary device has issues mid-service.

Preventing Screen Dimming

Web apps cannot prevent your screen from dimming or sleeping. Here's how to adjust your device settings:

iOS (iPhone/iPad)

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Display & Brightness
  2. Tap "Auto-Lock"
  3. Set to "Never" (or maximum time available)
  4. Remember to change it back after!

Android

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Display
  2. Tap "Screen timeout"
  3. Set to maximum time (usually 30 minutes)
  4. Remember to change it back after!

Alternative: Tap Occasionally

If you don't want to change system settings, simply tap the screen occasionally during use to keep it active.

Coming Soon: PWA Support

We're working on Progressive Web App (PWA) support, which will allow you to:

  • Install the app on your device like a native app
  • Use it offline (no internet connection required)
  • Get a full-screen experience without browser UI
  • Faster loading and better performance

Stay tuned for updates on this feature!

πŸ’™ Getting value from this guide? Help us keep this resource free for musicians everywhere. Support the project

Ready to Start Using the Tool?

Head to our free Nashville Numbers chart and start transposing songs!

Go to Nashville Numbers Chart β†’