Chord chart

It is the most common form of notation used by professional session musicians playing jazz or popular music.

In these genres the musicians are expected to be able to improvise the individual notes used for the chords (the "voicing") and the appropriate ornamentation, counter melody or bassline.

In Nashville notation the key is left unspecified on the chart by substituting numbers for chord names.

Chord charts may also include explicit parts written in modern music notation (such as a musical riff that the song is dependent on for character), lyrics or lyric fragments, and various other information to help the musician compose and play their part.

The chords are written above the staff and the rhythm is indicated in the traditional manner, though pitch is unspecified through the use of slashes placed on the center line instead of notes.

"[5] This method of notation allows musicians who are familiar with basic music theory to play the same song in any key.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of plain text chord chart representations, including examples for reference.

Multiple open source and commercial software support ChordPro format chord charts, including: