Nashville Numbering System | Playing by Ear Method for Guitar and Musicians | Country Studio Session Technique Guide | 12 Classic Songs Songbook | . Neil Matthews Jr (Hal Leonard Studio Series)

Matthews, Jr., Neil

ISBN 10: 0881883352 / ISBN 13: 9780881883350

Published by Hal Leonard, 1984

About this Item

Gently read. May have name of previous ownership, or ex-library edition. Binding tight; spine straight and smooth, with no creasing; covers clean and crisp. Minimal signs of handling or shelving. 100% GUARANTEE! Shipped with delivery confirmation, if you're not satisfied with purchase please return item! Ships USPS Media Mail.

Seller Inventory # OTV.0881883352.VG

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Nashville Numbering System | Playing by Ear Method for Guitar and Musicians | Country Studio Session Technique Guide | 12 Classic Songs Songbook | . Neil Matthews Jr (Hal Leonard Studio Series)
• Publisher: Hal Leonard
• Publication Date: 1984
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0881883352
• ISBN 13: 9780881883350
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: very_good

About this title

Synopsis

This guitar-focused songbook introduces The Nashville Numbering System, a widely used method developed by Neil Matthews Jr., founding member of The Jordanaires, to help musicians play by ear using numbers instead of traditional notation. Long established in Nashville recording sessions, this approach is especially useful for guitarists, singers, and songwriters who want to understand chord relationships, transpose easily, and communicate efficiently in musical settings.

Designed for musicians interested in practical, real-world playing, the book explains the system in a clear and approachable way while demonstrating its use through 12 well-known songs. The material is tailored for guitar and reflects authentic country and pop styles, helping connect theory directly to playing situations while supporting both individual practice and group performance.

Within the book, the numbering system is presented step by step alongside musical examples that reinforce how patterns function across keys. In addition, readers will find photos, stories, and insights from professional musicians, adding context and inspiration to the learning experience.

By focusing on patterns rather than fixed notation, this method supports faster understanding, improved improvisation, and greater confidence when playing with others. It encourages musicians to rely on their ears and musical intuition, helping bridge the gap between technical knowledge and expressive performance. Whether used for practice, collaboration, or session preparation, this system adapts easily across styles.

Song List
Beautiful Brown Eyes * Blue * Boot Scootin' Boogie * Crying in the Chapel * Green Green Grass of Home * He Stopped Loving Her Today * Heartbreak Hotel * (Hey, Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song * I Fall to Pieces * King of the Road * Make the World Go Away * Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to Be Cowboys