Charts

Well written charts are integral for the band to be able to play your song correctly. All charts must include enough information that the band can read it quickly, and play it efficiently on the fly.
Below are three styles of charts that are standard across country music. Please note, the Nashville number system charts can be used for our Expo band only, not the Homestead concert band.

We have provided a handy key of what information should be present on a good chart.

**No ‘capo’ charts will be accepted unless asked by a band member specifically to provide one.

Key To Charts

LYRIC CHARTS

  1. Title
  2. Tempo/Feel
  3. Time signature
  4. Key
  5. Instrumentation
  6. Intro
  7. Sections
  8. Even bar spacing (e.g. 4 bars per line)
  9. Band entry point
  10. Rhythmic notation
  11. Specific rhythmic devices/motifs
  12. Stops
  13. Holds
  14. Outro/Ending

NUMBER/CHORD CHARTS

  1. Title
  2. Tempo/Feel
  3. Time signature
  4. Key
  5. Instrumentation
  6. Intro
  7. Sections
  8. Band entry point
  9. Rhythmic notation
  10. Specific rhythmic devices/motifs
  11. Stops
  12. Holds
  13. Outro/Ending

Chord Over Lyric Charts

Chords over lyrics are a common way to write chord charts. This method involves writing lyrics on one line and writing chords on the line above the lyrics. Chords are then aligned with lyrics using spaces. Here is an example of the chords over lyrics chord format:

Chord Charts

A chord chart  is a form of musical notation that describes the basic harmonic and rhythmic information for a song or tune.

Nashville Number Charts

Note: Nashville Number Charts are only for the Expo House band, not the Homestead Concert band.

The Nashville Number System is a method of transcribing music by denoting the scale degree on which a chord is built.