bLuEs wrote: I was just wondering how many of you uses the numeric system when working out chords and writing songs. For instance in C, where C=1, D=2, E=3, F=4, G=5, A=6 and B=7.

I found that using this system has improved my ability to work out chords and definitely helps in transposing from one key to another.

If not, what do you prefer, sheet music, tabs?

I am slowly forcing myself to use only the chord formulae, but it is a tedious process in the beginning.

It also helps me understand WHY a certain chord sounds the way it does. All guitarists should at least have an understanding of how it works, even if they never use it for anything...

It also comes in handy if you want to do a cover of a song but want to change the feel of it. Then just change to a seventh or whatever you need on the fly!