Bossa Nova Song Part 1

Hi GMC-ers! Here is an example of bossa nova harmony, arranged in a typical way, although I added some extra notes in each chord to create a little melodic movement. The song is in the key of D minor, and instead of Dmin I play dmin9 in the first bar, a popular bossa nova chord. The next chord is A#dim which I play instead of A7, A# in the bass creates a little tension and makes the harmony more interesting though it’s very typical.

The next group of chords are 2-5-1 harmonic movement, with a little melody in it and a bass progression beneath it. Same 2-5-1 harmony repeats but the first two chords are repeated in different positions so you can’t really feel that it's basically the same thing. Rhythm shape for the right hand is a little expanded compared to the traditional way of playing.

And just to remind you, let the notes last, don’t syncopate, articulate or whatever (many players do so), if it’s eighths don’t make it sixteenths because it’s not samba, and in the next lesson I will add melody so the whole thing will make perfect sense.

Keep on playing!

Vasilije