Nashville Number System Explained

The Nashville Number System makes transposing songs instant. Here's how it works.

What Is the Nashville Number System?#

Instead of writing chord names (G, C, D), you write numbers:

1 — The first scale degree (root chord)
4 — The fourth scale degree
5 — The fifth scale degree

This system is key-independent—the same chart works in any key!

How Numbers Work#

In the key of G:

Chord	Number
G	1
Am	2-
Bm	3-
C	4
D	5
Em	6-

In the key of C:

Chord	Number
C	1
Dm	2-
Em	3-
F	4
G	5
Am	6-

Same numbers, different keys!

Reading Nashville Charts#

Basic Progression#

1 - 4 - 1 - 5

This means: play 1 chord, then 4, then 1, then 5.

In G: G - C - G - D
In C: C - F - C - G

Minor Chords#

A dash (-) after the number means minor:

2- = minor 2nd chord (Am in key of G)
6- = minor 6th chord (Em in key of G)

Seventh Chords#

A "7" after the number:

5/7 = dominant 7th on the 5 chord (D7 in key of G)
4maj7 = major 7th on the 4 chord

Slash Chords#

Written as fraction-like notation:

1/3 = 1 chord over the 3rd bass note (G/B in key of G)

Why Musicians Love It#

Instant Transposition#

Singer says "Let's try it in A"? No problem—same chart works!

Faster Reading#

Numbers are simpler than letters for many players.

Universal Language#

Session musicians across genres use this system.

Exporting Nashville Numbers#

Open your song
Click Export → Chord Chart
Select Nashville Number System
The chart exports with numbers instead of letters

Example Comparison#

Standard Chart (Key of G)#

```

[Verse]

G C G D

```

Nashville Chart#

```