Bossa nova, a captivating genre born in Brazil, blends samba rhythms with jazz harmonies, creating a sophisticated and mellow sound. For guitarists looking to explore this style, understanding key chord voicings is fundamental. While mastering bossa nova’s rhythmic nuances takes time, learning a set of essential chords can immediately infuse your playing with that authentic Brazilian flavor. This guide introduces you to foundational “Guitar Bossa Nova Chords” that will get you started on your bossa journey.
One of the signature sounds of bossa nova comes from specific chord types, particularly the 6/9 chord. This chord, along with others like 9th chords and altered 7th chords, provides the harmonic richness characteristic of the genre. The beauty of chords like the 6/9 is their movability; learning one shape allows you to play it in various positions across the fretboard. To understand the 6/9 chord better, compare it to familiar chords like C6 (X3221X) and C9 (X3233X). Below are diagrams for several essential bossa nova chords, presented as movable shapes for your guitar.
C6/9 Chord
This chord is a cornerstone of the bossa nova sound. Its voicing is open and airy, contributing to the genre’s relaxed feel.
D9 Chord
The D9 adds a jazzy, extended harmony, perfect for bossa nova progressions. The diagram illustrates a common and movable shape for this chord.
Em9 Chord
This minor 9th chord brings a touch of melancholy and sophistication, frequently used in bossa nova compositions.
Emb7b5 Chord
The Em7b5, or E minor seven flat five, adds a more complex, jazzy flavor, often used as a passing chord or in more intricate progressions.
A7(b13) Chord
The A7(b13), an A dominant 7th with a flat 13th, introduces a beautiful dissonance and color, characteristic of bossa nova’s harmonic palette.
While strumming these chords is possible, the true essence of bossa nova guitar lies in fingerpicking. This technique, often involving syncopated rhythms, is crucial to achieving the authentic sound. Experiment with plucking the strings, and try incorporating the bass note on the string above the root for a fuller sound, as demonstrated in the rhythm examples below.
Mastering the Bossa Nova Rhythm
Bossa nova rhythm is defined by its syncopation, where accents fall off the main beats. Essentially, you’re strumming or picking “between the beats,” creating a laid-back, swaying feel.
These rhythmic patterns, while seemingly simple, are the heart of bossa nova. Practice these tab examples to internalize the syncopated feel.
Finger Positioning for Bossa Nova Chords
The 6/9 chord shape, in particular, can be a bit of a stretch initially. It requires using one finger to fret two strings. Typically, the index finger handles both the third and fourth strings, the middle finger the fifth string, the ring finger (or “long finger”) the root on the second string, and the pinky the sixth string. Practice this positioning slowly to build finger strength and accuracy.
Expanding Your Bossa Nova Chord Vocabulary
Beyond these starting chords, the world of bossa nova harmony is rich and varied. If you have a background in jazz guitar, you’ll find yourself on familiar ground. For others, exploring minor 9th, dominant 9th, and 7/b9 chords will greatly expand your bossa nova vocabulary. These chords add further depth and sophistication to your playing.
Bossa Nova Chord Progressions to Explore
Here are some typical chord progressions in the bossa nova style to practice and experiment with:
- C6/9 – Dmaj7 – Am7 F#m7 – E6/9 – B13
- Am7 – D9 – Gmaj7
- C6/9 – D9 – Dm9 – Db7b5 (X5657X) – C6/9
- D6/9 – Emaj7 – A6/9 – F#m9 (see tab)
These progressions offer a starting point to understand how bossa nova chords are used in context.
Learn from the Masters and Immerse Yourself in Bossa Nova
To truly grasp the nuances of bossa nova guitar, listening to the masters is essential. Here are some iconic bossa nova guitarists to check out:
- João Gilberto
- Charlie Byrd
- Rosinha de Valença
- Luiz Bonfá
Listen attentively to their phrasing, chord voicings, and rhythmic approaches.
Drum Tracks for Bossa Nova Practice
To enhance your practice, jamming with drum tracks designed for bossa nova is incredibly helpful. Here are a few to get you started:
Jam track 1
Jam track 2
Jam track 3
By learning these fundamental “guitar bossa nova chords” and practicing the rhythmic concepts, you’ll be well on your way to playing this beautiful and captivating style. Remember to listen to the music, practice consistently, and enjoy the journey of exploring bossa nova guitar.
