The Nashville System answered so many questions for me about chord choices in songs. Basically most rock and pop songs follows this system. Once you know the key, most songs fit into this system.
However, not all chords have to fit the formula of Major – Minor – Minor – Major – Major – Minor – Dim. (You’ll learn about this in the video). Sometimes the rule is broken and seven or suspended chords are used instead.
There’s a lot of text to write out for this one so I’ve made this helpful PDF document to help you understand and apply this system. Please read, download and print it for future reference.
Please commit the below system to memory!!!
Nashville System Chords + Numbers:
1 = Major – 2 = Minor – 3 = Minor – 4 = Major – 5 = Major – 6 = Minor – 7 = Diminished (dim) – 8 = Major
HOMEWORK:
1st Part
Please write out the notes in the major scale in the Key of G. Then figure out the chords using the above system.
Please play the chords associated with the key of G. Try randomising them. Try using the 1 – 4 – 5 chords. They always sound great.
Once you’ve done this in the key of G then use the Key of D and do exactly the same system. Finally try the Key of E.
2nd Part
Please look at the chords for the 2 songs below. I’ve written the key for each song. Can you please write out the number system for each chord of the song and email it to me. You don’t have to write all the repeated parts, just an overview of what number in the system each chord is using.
Love Is All Around Me – The Troggs – Key of G
Heroes – David Bowie – Key Of D (This breaks the rule on the 5th chord. Why?)