Using the Nashville Number System to Create Bands

Skip instrument “lessons” and get participants to play in bands from day #1

ive your participants the ultimate musical experience by getting them to play their favorite songs in a band on the very first day. Youth participants are empowered by choosing their instrument, song, bandmates, and stage name. Your role is to simplify the chord progressions or drum beats (ie. root notes) and get the band to play along with the recording while performing on stage. Instead of weekly “lessons,” participants attend a regular band rehearsal with the goal of performing at a showcase performance each month. 

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How to… 

Before participants arrive 

• Prepare an approved Song List on a white board (ie. popular songs for participants to choose from) 
  • Limited song options from a common playlist gives participants a sense “guided choice” 
  • Allows the staff to prepare learning materials for a realistic amount of songs, including, tempo/key signature, progression shorthand (ie. Nashville # system), and song form
  • Add individual progressions for Verse, Chorus, Pre-Chorus, Bridge, etc. 
  • Print lyric sheets (if needed) 
    • Create a playlist on Spotify or Apple Music for quick access

• Tape and label instruments

Guitar/bass	Piano
Use white Gaffers tape to label frets with chord function. Move tape for each songParticipants play root notes using one finger on one string	Label keys with chord function using tape or dry erase markersParticipants play root notes using one finger

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