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About Numbered Notation

Numbered Notation (also called Jianpu, 简谱) writes each melody note as a number from 1 to 7 instead of a note on a staff. The number shows the note's position in the song's scale -- not its exact pitch -- so the same tune looks identical no matter what key it's sung in.

Within one octave, the numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 correspond to the familiar do re mi fa sol la ti. A dot above a number raises it an octave higher; a dot below lowers it an octave lower -- no dot means the middle, as-written octave.

A plain number lasts one beat. A dash (-) right after a number holds that same note for one more beat. A line underneath a number shortens it instead -- one line is half a beat, two lines a quarter of a beat. A 0 is a rest: silence for one beat.

The label at the top of the sheet, like "1=C" or "1=Ab", shows which pitch scale degree 1 ("do") is tuned to. A song in a minor key is labeled "6=X" instead -- scale degree 6 ("la") is the true tonic. Chord names printed above the notes (like "C" or "G7") always use their familiar letter names, never numbers.

For example, under a "1=C" heading, the numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 sound as C D E F G A B. Under a "1=G" heading, those very same numbers sound as G A B C D E F# instead -- same shape, different key.

Fairest Lord Jesus

Praise of the Lord His Beauty

English175
1
Fairest Lord Jesus!
Ruler of all nature!
O Thou of God and man the Son!
Thee will I cherish,
Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown!
2
Fair are the meadows
Fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer,
Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing!
3
Fair is the sunshine,
Fairer still the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host;
Jesus shines brighter,
Jesus shines purer,
Than all the angels heav’n can boast!
4
All fairest beauty,
Heavenly and earthly,
Wondrously, Jesus, is found in Thee;
None can be nearer,
Fairer, or dearer,
Than Thou my Savior art to me.

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Danny Kreiser

Braden, TN, United States

Mar 13, 2016

Writers of scripture have tried to tell of the glory and beauty of the Heavenly Bridegroom using such metaphors: Lily of the Valley, Bright and Morning Star, Rose of Sharon, Fairest of ten thousand, Fairer than all the fair. Yet the truth is that human tongue simply cannot adequately describe the beauty of Him who loved and gave himself for us. Though in His flesh there was "no beauty that we should desire him"(Is. 53:2-3), yet when viewed through the eye of faith He is altogether lovely! "Glory and honor, praise, adoration now and forevermore be Thine"!!!

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Rosaline Rowe-Taylor

Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Jun 24, 2014

This is one of my most favourite hymns which I hum or sing every day and it just comes on effortlessly. Who is this one so radiant; so beautiful; so loving, pure and sweet yet loves a vile sinner like me! I just love Him and give myself to Him unreservedly for His economy!

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Umana Hudson

Lake Echo, Nova Scotia, Canada

Sep 19, 2013

Touched my heart; one of my top favorite hymns!

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Jean Patience

Kolwezi, Katanga, Democratic Republic Of Congo

Apr 16, 2013

JESUS!!! Humble, pure, good, blessed is that Gallilean to me!!!! You deserve honor, glory, power, praise and all my gratitude for saving me, the vile sinner I was. Thanks a million for Your Mercy.

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Dave Matteson

Avila Beach, CA, United States

Mar 24, 2013

The more I sing this song, the more I sense Him within my spirit. He is the dearest and most wonderful Person. He actually does meet every need I have. He is my life, my living, my health and my provision. Is there any one or any thing that can match Him? Obviously not! The more I experience Him and His love to me the more I love Him. Thank God for hymns like this one that point us to Him.

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Frank Pytel

Chicago, Illinois, United States

May 25, 2011

This hymn came to mind this morning with the repeated use of the word "fair". In the Song of Songs this word "fair" is also repeated about ten times, having the meaning of exceedingly beautiful. Isn't this a great word to describe the One we love! He is exceedingly beautiful! In the Song of Songs the Bridegroom is firstly called fair by His lover; then later in the song the bride is called fair by her Beloved. As we are joined to Him we bear His fairness, His exceeding beauty! The Bride displays the exceeding beauty of her Bridegroom! This mutual love is exceedingly beautiful!

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