What is the Nashville Number System?

The Nashville Number System; the ingenious short-hand music notation system invented by Jordanaire, Neal Matthews; is a way to write chord charts using numbers instead of chord letters. With numbers, a chord chart can be played in any key without re-writing the chart. The key may change or modulate, but the numbers will stay the same.
The Nashville Number System has evolved into a complete method of writing chord charts and melodies, combining Nashville shorthand with standard notation.

For over 60 years, the Nashville Number System has been the standard for musicians in recording sessions, live performance, and teaching environments. The published book has become required reading in many of the most prestigious music schools, including Belmont, ETSU, Lee and Liberty University, while also being required reading for anyone before they get their first gig in music city.