Blue Bossa Chords & Rhythm Pattern

Blue Bossa is an ideal introduction for guitarists interested in Brazilian jazz. In this lesson, you’ll learn to play the chord progression of Blue Bossa using a classic bossa nova groove that works well on the guitar.

To help you get comfortable with this style, you’ll go through two chord studies based on Blue Bossa’s progression. These use a samba / bossa nova rhythm, which you can also use in other Latin jazz songs.

Along the way, you’ll move beyond basic seventh chords. Brazilian music often uses richer voicings such as maj9 and m9, which give the harmony a smoother, more open sound compared to plain maj7 and m7 chords.

When you play through the examples, notice how the thumb plays the bass by alternating between the root and the fifth on beats 1 and 3. This adds movement and keeps the groove steady while the other fingers play the chords.

 

 

Blue Bossa Chord Study 1

For this first Blue Bossa chord study, you will use a typical bossa nova rhythm pattern.

This style of accompaniment has a few key characteristics:

• The bass notes fall on the beat and are played with the thumb.
• The root is usually alternated with the 5th (or ♭5 for m7♭5 chords) to create movement.
• The upper chord voices are syncopated, meaning they accent the offbeats instead of the strong beats.

Keep the bass steady and even, and make sure the chord hits stay light and precise.

 

 

Drum Backing Track

Listen & Play-Along

 

 

Blue Bossa Chord Study 2

This second Blue Bossa chord study builds on the first. It is played on acoustic guitar at a slower tempo, with a few variations in the rhythm and chord voicings.

 

Listen & Play Along

 

 

Download the PDF, GP files, and backing track with JGO+ (click here to join)

 

 

Related Jazz Guitar Lessons

1. Blue Bossa – Melody, Solo, and Chord Melody
2. The Girl From Ipanema Chords & Rhythm
3. Complete Chord Melody (online course + printable PDF)
4. Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
5. Autumn Leaves Chords