Nashville Number System vs. Roman Numerals (cotinued)
Wednesday we looked briefly at the Nashville Number system. Today I’d like to talk about the Roman numeral system equivalent and touch briefly on the benefits and disadvantages of each. The NNS system basically works like this:
Comparison
C - D - E - F- G - A - B - C
1 - 2- 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8
The Roman Numeral Equivalent would be:
C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C
I - ii - iii - IV - V - vi - vii° - I
Another comparison that needs to be made is how each system handles chord inversions. Inversions are so important to helping the overall sound of the music and shorthand ways to notate them are needed.
The NNS notates inversions as using the first number as the chord and the second number behind a slash as the chord degree (note) that needs to be played on the bottom. So, in the key of C, a C (1) that is in its first inversion would be notated as 1/3. A C in second inversion would be 1/5.
Roman Numeral system notates inversions quite differently. The same example above (C in first inversion) would be written as I 6 (the 6 being in superscript next to the I - sorry, couldn’t find the superscript button!) and the second inversion as I 6/4. (This is really hard to explain in a blog post, so when you’re finished reading the next section, come back and visit here for more information about inversions.)
Benefits and Disadvantages to Each
The major disadvantage to the Nashville Number System is that you need to already know if certain chords are major or minor. Whereas, in the Roman numeral system, an upper case numeral always indicates a major chord and a lower case numeral always indicates a minor chord. There are several symbols in the Roman Numeral system that indicate different types of chords (augmented, diminished, etc.) In the NNS, the type of chord always has to be written out (aug, dim, maj7, min7, etc.)
One advantage, however, to NNS is the ability to notate measures quickly. I found the use of parentheses as a means to notate measures particularly helpful.
One disadvantage to the Roman Numeral system is that the figured bass used for inversions can be difficult to understand. Inversions in NNS seem very easy.
Conclusion:
While I myself am not extremely familiar with the NNS, it’s starting to grow on me. If anyone has any other tips about it, please leave a comment! Also, why do you like one system or the other better? Have you had experience with either?
