Learn 8 essential chord shapes (6/9, m9, 7#11) that provide that lush, sophisticated "jazz-samba" color. Why This PDF? Bossa Nova Rhythm on Guitar - Complete Tutorial
Play syncopated rhythms. They pluck the top strings together, skipping over beats to create tension and release against the steady bass. 3 Essential Bossa Nova Rhythms 1. The Basic Pattern (The João Gilberto Groove)
Bossa nova emerged in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the late 1950s, primarily among the city's middle-class youth. The genre was heavily influenced by samba, jazz, and classical music, with a focus on creating a more intimate and emotive sound. Guitarist and composer Antônio Carlos Jobim, also known as Tom Jobim, is often credited with developing the bossa nova style, along with other legendary musicians like João Gilberto and Astrud Gilberto.
Beat: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & Bass: X X X (optional) Chord: X X X X
Ready to take your playing to the next level? We have put together a comprehensive, printable reference guide to accelerate your practice. What is Inside the Exclusive PDF: bossa nova guitar rhythm pattern pdf exclusive
We have compiled these patterns into a clean, high-resolution document. It features full guitar tab, standard notation, and rhythmic grid charts. What is Inside the PDF: Interactive rhythmic grid charts for visual learners.
): Alternates between the on beat 1 and the 5th on beat 3. Fingers (
The most fundamental pattern is a one-bar figure where the thumb plays a bass note on the beat, while the fingers pluck the higher strings for the chord. The right hand is typically divided into two parts: the thumb (p) and the index (i), middle (m), and ring (a) fingers. A common basic bossa nova strumming sequence is xo xo ox oo for a one-bar pattern.
Mimics the Surdo drum. It typically plays on beats 1 and 3 in a 4/4 measure (or beats 1 and 2 in 2/4), often alternating between the root and the fifth of the chord. Learn 8 essential chord shapes (6/9, m9, 7#11)
: Your index, middle, and ring fingers pluck the upper three or four notes of the chord. These are syncopated, often hitting off-beats that "anticipate" or "contradict" the steady bass downbeats. Essential Bossa Nova Patterns
The thumb usually plays the root or fifth of the chord on the 6th and 5th strings, grounding the rhythm. The other fingers then play the remaining chord tones on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th strings, creating the syncopated feel that is the hallmark of the style. This division of labor between your thumb and fingers is the single most important physical skill to develop.
Pluck chords on Beat 1, the "and" of Beat 2, and Beat 4.
Bossa nova harmonies rely heavily on jazz-influenced chords: Major 7ths, Minor 7ths, Dominant 9ths, and altered chords (like They pluck the top strings together, skipping over
3. The 4 Essential Bossa Nova Rhythms (PDF Exclusive Highlights)
). It mimics the Brazilian surdo drum, emphasizing beats 1 and 3 in a 4/4 time signature. It often alternates between the root note of the chord and the fifth. Played with the index ( ), middle ( ), and ring (
The bossa nova guitar style is characterized by its use of complex rhythms, melodic harmonies, and subtle, nuanced phrasing. The guitar typically plays a central role in bossa nova music, often providing the harmonic foundation and rhythmic drive for the ensemble.