The Nashville Number System can be adapted for minor keys, just as it is for major keys, by understanding the chord relationships within the minor scale. Here’s how you use it effectively in minor keys:
1. Understand the Natural Minor Scale
In a minor key, the natural minor scale serves as the foundation. The scale degrees are:
1 – 2 – ♭3 – 4 – 5 – ♭6 – ♭7
For example, in A minor, the natural minor scale is:
- A – B – C – D – E – F – G
The chords for each scale degree in A minor would be:
- i (minor) → A minor
- ii° (diminished) → B diminished
- ♭III (major) → C major
- iv (minor) → D minor
- v (minor) → E minor
- ♭VI (major) → F major
- ♭VII (major) → G major
These are the natural minor chords in Roman numerals.
2. Adapt Nashville Numbers to Minor Keys
- Use “1” to represent the tonic minor chord.
- Use numbers as usual for each degree of the minor scale.
- Flat signs (♭) are added when needed to indicate chords that don’t occur naturally in a major scale.
For example, in A minor:
| Scale Degree | Nashville Number | Chord |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1m | A minor |
| 2 | 2° | B diminished |
| ♭3 | ♭3 | C major |
| 4 | 4m | D minor |
| 5 | 5m | E minor |
| ♭6 | ♭6 | F major |
| ♭7 | ♭7 | G major |
3. Harmonic Minor Adjustments
When using the harmonic minor scale, a common variation in minor keys, the 7th degree is raised by a half step, creating a major V chord.
In A minor harmonic:
- A – B – C – D – E – F – G♯
The V chord becomes E major (instead of E minor).
In Nashville Numbers:
- The 5 becomes 5 (no “m”) to indicate a major chord.
- The raised 7th note (G♯) is implied for harmonic minor progressions.
4. Practical Nashville Number Example in A Minor
For a common minor chord progression like i – ♭VII – ♭VI – V:
- In A minor: Am – G – F – E
- Using Nashville Numbers: 1m – ♭7 – ♭6 – 5
5. Common Minor Progressions
Here are a few common minor key progressions with their Nashville Numbers:
- i – iv – ♭VII – i → 1m – 4m – ♭7 – 1m
- i – ♭VI – ♭III – ♭VII → 1m – ♭6 – ♭3 – ♭7
- i – iv – V – i (harmonic minor) → 1m – 4m – 5 – 1m
6. Tips for Writing or Playing in Minor Keys
- Always indicate minor chords with an “m” (e.g., 1m, 4m).
- Use a flat (♭) symbol for the 3rd, 6th, or 7th chords when they differ from major scale expectations.
- Adjust the 5 chord (V) to major if you’re using the harmonic minor scale.
By being clear with minor and flat symbols, the Nashville Number System works seamlessly in minor keys!
