I will say that in theroy, I can basically understand a N-ville chart, but I've never actually read one or performed one!  It sounds like a great system, and from what I have read, it makes perfect sense, and seems "drummer-friendly"

The Nashville Charts are fairly simple to read and understand actually. The history behind it is that artists in Nashville would be sitting at a coffee shop, jot down some chord changes on a napkin ... then go to the studio to cut the tracks. Stories are that the players actually read off the napkins! LOL

So anyway, here's a basic example of a Nashville Chart.

Patsy Cline - CRAZY

I     1   4   (4 3m)   (2m 5)

V    1   6M   2m   2m
           5   5   (1 #1o)   (2m 5)
           1   6M   2m   2m
           5   5   (1 2m)   (#2o 1/3)

C     etc. etc. etc.

This would appear in the middle of the page, then on the right hand side of the page you would see something like this, which shows the form of the tune and who takes the fills or lead breaks:

I - PN
V - LG
C - ST/FID
V2 - ST
TAG

There are a lot of other little markings, but I can't type them all here. I'll just have to send you a real copy sometime.

Here's the legend for all the symbols thus far:
I = Intro
V = Verse
V2 = 2nd Verse
C = Chorus
TAG = Tag the song which is written out
TA (not used here) = Turn around

The Numbers are the chords. This way, they can play in any key. If the are in the key of C ... then a 2m would be a D minor chord. Make sense?

Each number represents the chord and it lasts a full measure. If you have two chords in a measure, called a split-bar then you see something like this: (2m 5). They put the parenthesis around the chords to show they are in the same measure.

PN = Piano
LG = Lead Guitar
ST = Steel Guitar (Pedal Steel)
FID = Fiddle

They have little figures that go over the chord numbers to show rhythm if there is a particular figure that needs to be played. So the page is very clean and easy to read. I didn't write out the Chorus, but you get the idea. What's nice is this is NOT Through Composed in that they write out every chord for every section. If you have a second verse, you'll know it by looking over on the right side of the page for the form. If the chords are the same as the first verse, then you just read the first verse a second time. If it's different they would print out a second verse in the middle of the page.

So, it's very simple, but a little tricky on the eyes. Especially when you move very quickly from song to song. The tempos are given at the top left of the page, as well as the meter, and the count off. For this tune, there is a 72 for the tempo, and this count off:

1  2
1  2  3  4

Whew ... okay ... I've got to stop. I need to just write and article on this and post it. Typing this all out and trying to get the symbols is too hard. It's basically just a Number Chart, but with a few little twists. I'll post a real manuscript chart soon, so you can see all the nuances.

If you can find the name of the book that teaches Nashville Notation, I would love it if you would post it here at the Cafe. I'd rather refer people to that book that have me try to type all that out here! LOL

Well, I just got back from my sub gig ... reading, you guessed it ... Nashville notation. Let me just say that I have been SPOILED with other gigs because the charts I read to not looked like chicken scratch. Oh ... my ... God! It was a NIGHTMARE!!! I gig you not ... it looked like someone had their three year old take the dictation for the charts. Numbers were slanted this way and that ... looking like someone was gradually loosing consciousness ... or maybe ... SMOKING WEED!   _{That was for Sidereal}

Anyway, I made it through with flying colors and the show owner came up to me and congratulated me ... which was nice. I may have a few more gigs lined up ... just from subbing this gig ... but we'll see. I learned a few more things ... or should I say "optional variations" with the notation ... which I don't know if it's standard or not. Interesting stuff.

Every church I've ever played with has used this method. It's just lyric sheets with that notation in the right hand corner.

I *always* add my own notes whenever I'm given the chance. I'll use familiar words to describe the feel at the top, note feel changes, mark important spots (especially for big fills) and notate important hits. I'll ask pointed questions before we play in hopes of being able to make these notes on the chart.

Hello Once again!
The book is "The Nashville Number System for drummers" by George Lawrence who happens to be a member of the drumring Bart.His web site for those of you who want to check out his books is www.drumguru.com

order from his web-site.

615-665-2198   published by Drumroom Publishing.
I highly recommend it for you guys that want to learn the Nashville Number System.

George's book received a positive review in the most recent issue of MD. I've sent him another request to join us. Bart, you should hit him up again!

Bill Liam (I think that's how you spell it) gave a brief explanation at the modern drummer festival a few years back, sounded neat, never actually encountered one yet.

Having played sessions in Nashville and still using # charts what I would tell drummers is that you basically have to make your own chart. Or make your own marks (kicks, beats, etc..)on the # chart. Having sat in with Paul Leim (premeir Nashville session drummer) and watching him with # charts is that you have to work fast. The band will generally play through a chart several times and each time they get "closer" to the final production. AND, the drummer in turn makes his marks or kicks as they formulate. So, yeah, it's alot of chicken scratching, but a very useful and quick way to get through "production".