From jukefox@jukejoynt.com Tue Dec 04 08:36:40 2012
Subject:TRANSPOSITION: Re: 30 yr old Korg BX3 question

One technique I started using with my bands decades ago was charting tunes by using the classical number system: I, ii, iii, IV, V7, etc, with large Roman numerals representing major, lowercase = minors and standard circles, pluses, etc for augmented and diminished ... Arabic numerals still represented harmonics in my system. This made transposition to any key, even "on the fly," quite easy. Eventually, my players stopped thinking in terms of specific notes/chords altogether and began thinking almost entirely in numeric intervals.

The "Nashville Number System" that Neil Matthews developed for the Jordanaires in the 50s (or "Nashville Notation") is based on this classical theoretical approach and has largely replaced it over the years. The system can even be used to notate lead lines, riffs, etc.

I would encourage anybody interested in playing fairly instantaneous transpositions, particularly studio musicians (most of whom probably already have it down) to explore this system. You should be able to find lots of information on numeric notation systems by running an internet search.

Peace,
Fox

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