The subject of music theory continues to intimidate even the best musicians, but that should not be the case. I used to believe that I would need to learn to sight-read sheet music in order to become a professional player.

But I found out that is untrue.

Having a basic knowledge of music theory is necessary, but it is possible to earn a full time income as a musician without knowing how to read music.

That is because most leading music producers and studios do not use sheet music.

Instead, they use the Nashville System, which is known as the number system.

Music theory actually boils down to numbers rather than notes. Even today, I cannot tell you what note I am hitting at any time. If I look, I can quickly tell you, but I only think about the numbers as I play — not whether I’m playing a C, D, or E.

This number system is very popular since it allows you to transpose music fast. Unlike using traditional sheet music, you do not have to spend hours re-charting notes.

The number system gives musicians performing live a way to communicate quickly, which leads them to create impromptu compositions.

Just what is this number system, and how is it used?

The number system works from the major scale.

Based on the C Major key, the notes are C, D, E, F, G, A, B, and C.

You should play it that way on the guitar:

E|————————————————–|
B|————————————————–|
G|————————————————–|
D|——————-9-10—————————|
A|———-8-10-12———————————|
E|-8-10-12——————————————|

Forget what the notes are for the moment, and play the notes in the order listed, counting to 8.

Instead of thinking C, D, E, F …

Simply refer to each note as its number. For example, the octave would be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

You only need to know the key to be able to improvise as you go.

But learn the major scale, because the 2 chord, 4 chord, etc. is always in the same position regardless of the key. Then you can both play and transpose music any time.

So, instead of telling you to “play C-F-G,” I would say “Hey, we’re in the key of C, and we’re doing a 1-4-5 progression.”

I may say “switch the keys to Eb” unexpectedly. And if I do, you don’t have to scramble to figure out which chords to play. You will know where the 1 chord, 4 chord, and 5 chords are.

Then I might suddenly decide to change the music by going to the 6 chord. To do so in the key of G, I would only have to say the number 6. With the conventional method, I would have to tell you to go to E minor.

By mastering the number system you can better communicate with other musicians, and that means you’ll be making better music.