Bossa nova, a captivating genre born in Brazil, is known for its sophisticated harmonies and infectious rhythms. While seemingly complex, getting started with bossa nova guitar is more accessible than you might think, especially when you focus on the essential chords and rhythmic patterns. This guide will introduce you to the fundamental “Bossa Nova Guitar Chords” that will immediately bring that distinctive Brazilian flavor to your playing.
One of the signature sounds of bossa nova comes from using specific chord voicings, particularly the 6/9 chord. This chord, along with others we’ll explore, can be combined with characteristic bossa nova rhythms to instantly evoke the genre’s breezy and sophisticated feel. The beauty of the 6/9 chord is its movability; learn one shape, and you can use it across the fretboard. To understand its sound, you can compare the C6/9 chord to the familiar C6 (X3221X) and C9 (X3233X).
Here are some essential bossa nova guitar chords, presented as movable shapes for your convenience:
C6/9 Chord Shape
This is your foundational bossa nova chord. Master this shape and you’re well on your way.
D9 Chord Shape
Em9 Chord Shape
Em7b5 Chord Shape
A7(b13) Chord Shape
While strumming these chords is possible, the true essence of bossa nova guitar lies in plucking the strings. This fingerstyle approach is much more characteristic of the genre. A pro-tip to enhance your bossa nova sound is to occasionally incorporate the bass note on the string just above the root of the chord. Listen to examples and explore tabs to hear this technique in action.
Unlocking the Bossa Nova Rhythm
Bossa nova rhythm is defined by its syncopation. This means the accents in the rhythm fall “between the beats,” creating a laid-back, off-kilter groove. Essentially, you’re strumming or plucking in the spaces where you might not expect them, creating a subtle rhythmic tension and release.
Finger Positioning for 6/9 Chords
The 6/9 chord shape can initially be a bit tricky due to requiring two strings to be pressed with one finger. Here’s a breakdown of the finger placement for the C6/9 shape as shown above:
- Index finger: Presses down both the 3rd and 4th strings.
- Middle finger: Presses down the 5th string.
- Ring finger: Presses down the root note on the 2nd string.
- Pinky finger: Presses down the 6th string.
Practice slowly and ensure each note rings out clearly. With a little practice, this shape will become second nature.
Expanding Your Bossa Nova Chord Vocabulary
While the chords we’ve covered are a fantastic starting point, the world of bossa nova harmony is rich and diverse. If you have some experience with jazz guitar chords, you’ll find a significant overlap and have a head start. If not, expanding your chord vocabulary to include minor 9th (m9), dominant 9th (9), and 7th chords with a flat 9th (7b9) will greatly enhance your bossa nova playing. These chords add color and sophistication to your progressions.
Bossa Nova Chord Progressions to Try
Chord progressions are the backbone of any song, and bossa nova has its own set of characteristic movements. Here are a few examples of chord progressions in the bossa nova style to get you started:
- Example 1: C6/9 – Dmaj7 – Am7 – F#m7 – E6/9 – B13
- Example 2: Am7 – D9 – Gmaj7
- Example 3: C6/9 – D9 – Dm9 – Db7b5 (X5657X) – C6/9
- Example 4: D6/9 – Emaj7 – A6/9 – F#m9 (see tab for F#m9 shape)
Experiment with these progressions, practice the rhythms, and you’ll begin to feel the bossa nova vibe emerging in your playing.
This is just an introduction to the captivating world of bossa nova guitar chords. To delve deeper and truly master the style, consider exploring resources like Bossanovaguitar.com, a highly recommended website dedicated to bossa nova guitar.
Learn Bossa Nova Guitar by Ear and Video
The best way to internalize the feel and sound of bossa nova is to listen actively and learn by ear. Seek out video lessons and performances to see how these chords and rhythms are applied in real musical contexts. Watching skilled players is invaluable for understanding the nuances of the style.
Essential Bossa Nova Guitarists to Listen To
Immerse yourself in the music of the masters to truly grasp the bossa nova sound. Here are some legendary guitarists who defined the genre:
- João Gilberto: The pioneer of bossa nova guitar and vocals.
- Charlie Byrd: American guitarist who played a key role in popularizing bossa nova in the US.
- Rosinha de Valença: Virtuoso Brazilian guitarist known for her instrumental bossa nova.
- Luiz Bonfá: Another key figure, known for his beautiful compositions and guitar playing.
Practice with Bossa Nova Drum Tracks
To develop your timing and feel for bossa nova rhythm, practicing with drum tracks is incredibly beneficial. Here are a few drum tracks in the bossa nova style to jam along with:
Jam track 1
Jam track 2
Jam track 3
By exploring these chords, rhythms, and resources, and by listening to the masters, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the enchanting world of bossa nova guitar.
