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Nashville Number System Explained

Master the music notation system used by professionals worldwide

What is the Nashville Number System?

The Nashville Number System (also called Nashville notation or Nashville numbering) is a method of transcribing music by using numbers to represent the scale degree of each chord in a song's key.

Instead of writing "C - F - G - C" for a progression in the key of C, you'd write "1 - 4 - 5 - 1". This makes it incredibly easy to transpose songs to different keys instantly.

History & Origins

Developed in Nashville's recording studios during the 1950s, this system revolutionized how session musicians communicated. Instead of writing out full chord charts for every key, they could use one chart and transpose on the fly for different vocalists.

Today, the Nashville Number System is used worldwide by worship teams, session musicians, jazz players, and anyone who needs to quickly transpose songs or communicate chord progressions efficiently.

How the System Works

The 7 Scale Degrees

Every major scale has 7 notes, and each note gets a number:

1 - Tonic (Major)

2 - Supertonic (minor)

3 - Mediant (minor)

4 - Subdominant (Major)

5 - Dominant (Major)

6 - Submediant (minor)

7 - Leading Tone (diminished)

Example: Key of C

Bdim

Notice: 1, 4, 5 are Major • 2, 3, 6 are minor • 7 is diminished

Transposing Example

Here's the magic: the progression "1 - 4 - 5 - 1" works in ANY key!

Key of C:

1 - 4 - 5 - 1 = C - F - G - C

Key of G:

1 - 4 - 5 - 1 = G - C - D - G

Key of D:

1 - 4 - 5 - 1 = D - G - A - D

Key of A:

1 - 4 - 5 - 1 = A - D - E - A

Common Nashville Number Progressions

Here are the most popular chord progressions used across genres. Try them in different keys using our chart tool!

1 - 4 - 5 - 1

Classic Rock & Country

The most common progression in popular music. Simple, powerful, and works for countless songs.

1 - 5 - 6 - 4

Modern Pop/Worship

The "millennial progression" - used in thousands of worship songs and modern pop hits.

1 - 6 - 4 - 5

Classic '50s/'60s

The original "four chords" progression. Think "Stand By Me" and countless doo-wop songs.

2 - 5 - 1

Jazz Turnaround

The foundation of jazz harmony. Creates smooth, professional transitions between sections.

1 - 4 - 6 - 5

Contemporary Worship

Popular in modern worship music for its uplifting, contemplative feel.

1 - 3 - 6 - 4

Emotional Ballads

The "3" (Em in key of C) adds emotional depth. Great for ballads and introspective songs.

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Ready to Try These Progressions?

Use our free chart tool to see these progressions in any key!

Go to Nashville Numbers Chart →