Day 2 – Why Worship Players Think in Numbers

Overview

Next up in the Going Pro section: Nashville Numbers.

Here’s how it works — take any major scale, assign numbers to each note of the scale, and BAM… you’ve got Nashville Numbers.

When you start thinking about chords as numbers instead of letters, patterns begin to jump out at you. And that’s when things really start to open up.

A couple important things to know:

• If a number stands alone, it’s a major chord.
• If you see a small “m” or a dash (–) next to the number, it’s a minor chord.
• If you see a degree symbol (°), that means it’s a diminished chord.

Instead of memorizing random chord names, you’re learning the structure behind the music.

Next time you play a new song, take a moment and ask yourself:
“What are these chords in numbers?”

You might be surprised how many songs use the same patterns.