Set a metronome to 80 BPM. Play only your thumb on beats 1 and 3. Keep it perfectly steady.
Act as the snare drum or percussionist. Your index, middle, and ring fingers pluck the higher strings simultaneously, dancing around the bass notes with syncopated rhythms. The Concept of the "Clave"
This pattern spans across two measures and captures the authentic, undulating feel found on classic recordings like Getz/Gilberto .
Most authentic Bossa Nova patterns span two bars to create a complete rhythmic cycle. Pattern Element Timing (in 4/4) Description Bass (Thumb) Beats 1 and 3 Usually alternates Root-Fifth or repeats Root. Chord Pattern 1 1, 2, (&) of 3 Basic foundational rhythmic cell. Chord Pattern 2 Adds an anticipation strike before the next measure starts. Complete Cycle 2-Bar Variation Bar 1 and Bar 2 differ slightly to create a full loop. Educational Resources & PDF Downloads
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To create the classic Brazilian sway, the thumb occasionally "anticipates" the next measure by striking the bass note an eighth-note early (on the "and" of the previous beat). The Chord Comping (The Fingers)
When you download or view a Bossa Nova guitar rhythm pattern PDF, follow these steps to internalize the groove:
Plays syncopated chords on the off-beats (the "ands") and specific,anticipations of the next chord. Essential Right-Hand Technique Thumb ( ): Plays the lower strings (E, A, D). Index ( ), Middle (
Having the rhythmic pattern on the same page as the complex jazz chord shapes prevents you from flipping back and forth.
Measure 1 Beat: 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . Fingers: X X X X Thumb: X X X Measure 2 Beat: 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . Fingers: X X X Thumb: X X X Use code with caution.
Play syncopated, rhythmic plucks across the higher strings. 2. The Standard Time Signature
Typical harmonic features:
The most common Bossa Nova pattern covers two measures. It is crucial to keep the rhythm steady and relaxed. Measure 1: Bass (1), Chord (2-and), Bass (3), Chord (4-and) Measure 2: Bass (1), Chord (2-and), Bass (3), Chord (4-and)
This is the foundational pattern used in songs like "The Girl from Ipanema." It creates a rolling, relaxed feel.