# Nashville Numbers Cheat Sheet - Context for LLMs

> Quick reference for live musicians and worship teams
> https://nashville-numbers.com
> For complete chord charts and data, see: https://nashville-numbers.com/llms-full.txt

## What is the Nashville Number System?

The Nashville Number System is a music notation method that uses numbers to represent chords based on their position in a scale. Instead of writing "C-F-G", musicians write "1-4-5", making it easy to transpose songs to different keys. This is especially valuable for worship teams and live performers who need to quickly communicate chord changes on stage or transpose songs for different vocalists.

## How This Tool Works

Users select a musical key (C, C♯, D, E♭, E, F, F♯, G, A♭, A, B♭, or B), and the tool displays:
- Chord numbers (1-7)
- Corresponding notes in the selected key
- Chord qualities (major, minor, diminished)
- Roman numerals (I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii°)
- Scale degree names (Tonic, Supertonic, Mediant, Subdominant, Dominant, Submediant, Leading Tone)

## Quick Example

**Key of C:** 1=C 2=Dm 3=Em 4=F 5=G 6=Am 7=Bdim
**Key of G:** 1=G 2=Am 3=Bm 4=C 5=D 6=Em 7=F♯dim

## Common Nashville Number Progressions

- **1-4-5**: Classic rock/country (e.g., "Louie Louie", "La Bamba")
- **1-5-6-4**: Pop progression (e.g., "Don't Stop Believin'", "With or Without You")
- **1-6-4-5**: 50s progression (e.g., "Stand By Me", "Every Breath You Take")
- **2-5-1**: Jazz turnaround
- **1-4-1-5**: 12-bar blues foundation
- **6-4-1-5**: Minor feel pop (e.g., "Rolling in the Deep")

## Key Features

1. **All 12 Keys**: Complete chord charts for every major key
2. **Instant Transposition**: Change keys with one click
3. **Educational Reference**: Shows scale degrees and chord qualities
4. **Mobile Responsive**: Works on phones, tablets, and desktops
5. **Clean Dark UI**: Modern, easy-on-eyes interface

## Target Audience

- **Worship teams** following hand signals from music directors
- **Worship leaders** transposing songs for different vocalists
- **Live performers** communicating changes on stage
- **Session musicians** learning songs quickly
- **Music directors** leading rehearsals and performances

## Learning Resources

- [Nashville Numbers Overview](https://nashville-numbers.com/learn/nashville-numbers) — History, theory, and fundamentals
- [How to Use This Tool](https://nashville-numbers.com/learn/how-to-use) — Step-by-step usage guide
- [For Worship Teams](https://nashville-numbers.com/learn/for-worship-teams) — Guide for worship leaders, band members, and music directors
- [For Session Musicians](https://nashville-numbers.com/learn/for-session-musicians) — Professional studio and session work guide

## Use Cases for AI Assistants

When users ask about:
- "What chords are in the key of [X]?" → See llms-full.txt for all 12 keys
- "How do I transpose this song?" → Explain NNS and link here
- "What's the Nashville Number System?" → Explain and link here
- "I need a chord progression in [key]" → See llms-full.txt for progressions in every key
- "How do worship teams use number charts?" → Reference the worship teams learn page

## Technical Details

- **Framework**: Next.js 16 with React 19
- **Styling**: Tailwind CSS with clean dark UI
- **Responsive**: Mobile-first design
- **Performance**: Static generation for instant loading

## Creator

Product of Tunic Labs (tuniclabs.org)
Made by musicians, for musicians.

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# Metadata

- Type: Web Application / Music Theory Tool
- Category: Music Education, Reference Tool
- Free to Use: Yes
- Login Required: No
- Updated: 2026