Chords in a Key Chart & the Nashville Number System [Chords in All 12 Major Keys]
As worship musicians who read from chord charts, we often want to know what chords we will be using in a particular key.
Before you begin, download your free chord & reference charts to use as you play these chords!
Finding the pattern in the key of C
It might surprise you to learn that there are only 6 main chords in each key - 3 major chords, and 3 minor chords. For example, let’s look at the key of C:
The C scale is C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C, and each of the chords shown above is built on a note of the scale. For example, the C chord is built on the first note of the scale (C), and it uses every other note in the scale (C-E-G). The Dm chord is built on the second note of the scale (D), and it uses every other note (D-F-A). The Em chord is built on the third note of the scale (E), and it also uses every other note (E-G-B). This process is repeated for the F, G, and Am chords. (You will notice that we did not include a chord for the seventh tone of the scale, the B. This is because the chord that is built on B is neither major nor minor; it is diminished, and it is rarely used in worship piano.) This topic is explained in more detail in the Beginning Worship Piano course.
Every chord can be given a number. The first chord is called the 1 chord, the second is 2 (or 2m, as the 2 chord is always minor), etc. The 1, 4, and 5 chords are major in every key; and the 2m, 3m, and 6m chords are minor in every key. This numeric notation is referred to as the Nashville Number System (or simply the number system) and is explained in more detail in the Early Advanced Worship Piano course.
Chart for all 12 keys
Here is the entire chart for all 12 key signatures:
Ready to go further?
The Membership gives you a structured, step-by-step pathway from basics to real worship-ready playing—covering chords, progressions, patterns, and full song application so you can play with confidence.
