Thanks, Jim.

I've found that knowing some basics about diatonic chords can be very useful. It makes using the Nashville notation method so much simpler because the numbers stay the same whatever the key.

So for a major key...

chord 1 = major

chord 2 = minor (sometimes used as a m7 chord when leading to chord 5 7th)

chord 3 = minor

chord 4 = major

chord 5 = major (often used as a 7th chord - especially near the end of a section)

chord 6 = minor

chord 7 = diminished (has limited used)

Now if you get used to thinking in terms of numbers, then it becomes very easy to enter chords in BIAB.

Simply set the key and type a number for the chord then information for what kind of chord.

e.g. in key C, the progression C, Dm7, G7, Am, F, G7, C becomes 1, 2m7, 57, 6m, 4, 57, 1.

These same numbers will give me the same progression in all keys. All I have to do is to set BIAB's key. Under "Chord Display", it's possible to set Nashville Notation so that you only ever see numbers. It's a truly excellent system.

Once a person gets used to working with the numbers, it's easy to see that there aren't all that many different chord progressions used in popular music. All that happens is that they're in different keys.

Hope this makes sense,
Noel

MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025