Rhythmic notation specifies the exact rhythm in which to play or comp the indicated chords. 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. This facilitates on-the-spot key changes to songs. In Nashville notation the key is left unspecified on the chart by substituting numbers for chord names.

The rhythmic information can be very specific and written using a form of traditional notation, sometimes called rhythmic notation, or it can be completely unspecified using slash notation, allowing the musician to fill the bar with chords or fills any way they see fit (called comping). In some chord charts, the harmony is given as a series of chord symbols above a traditional musical staff. 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. It is intended primarily for a rhythm section (usually consisting of piano, guitar, drums and bass).

It is the most common form of notation used by professional session musicians playing jazz or popular music. Play ( helpĪ chord chart (or chart) is a form of musical notation that describes the basic harmonic and rhythmic information for a song or tune.

Jazz chord progression piano chart