Learn How to Use the Chord Builder

This page is here to help you get oriented and begin using the Chord Builder with confidence. You do not need to understand everything at once. Take your time, explore each tool, and let the process unfold as you work with real songs.

1. Learn How Nashville Numbers Work

The Nashville Number System lets you write one chart that works in any key by describing function instead of chord letters. Use the key reference below to change keys and notice what stays the same (the numbers) and what changes (the chord names).

Nashville Numbers (Key Reference)

In major keys: 2 / 3 / 6 are usually minor, and 7 is diminished.

2. Try Some Chord Conversions

Once the basic numbers make sense, you can add clarity and color using extensions and slash chords. Start simple, then add detail—use the translator below to feel what each symbol is doing.

Numbers ⇄ Chords

Type Nashville numbers to see the chords in the selected key.

Try: 1
Try: 6m
Try: 2m7
Try: 5
Try: 1/3
Tip: inputs are auto-detected. Numbers → chord. Chord → numbers (diatonic to the selected key).

3. Explore Differnt Types of Charts

The same song can be shown in different formats depending on who’s using the chart. Click each view below—notice how the content stays the same while the presentation changes.

Chart View Explorer

Choose a format below to see how the same idea reads in different chart styles—then use the one that best serves your team.

Input
Output
Best Uses For …

4. Practice Writing Charts

Write chord tokens directly into the lyrics using brackets and let the preview show how they land. Use the key selector to check alignment and aim for clarity over perfection.

Practice Writing a Brackets Numbers Chart

Use this lightweight chart builder to practice building your own chart.

Input (bracket numbers)
Output (chords above lyrics)

You’re Ready for the Numbers Chart Builder

If you can read numbers, recognize extensions, and place chords cleanly into lyrics, you’re ready to use the full Chart Builder. Start simple, build detail as needed, and let the tool support your workflow rather than slow it down.

Open the full Chart Builder