I-vi-ii-V (Bossa Nova Style)
The Girl from Ipanema. Blue Bossa. Wave. All share the same harmony
Imaj7-vi7-ii7-V7 with bossa nova rhythm: the beach, jazz and café sound of the 60s. The same harmony as Rhythm Changes, but with the hypnotic sway of Brazilian samba.
Imaj7vi7ii7V7
Complete guide
Level: Late Intermediate Styles: Jazz
🎵 Rhythm Is the Key
Harmonically it is the same as "Rhythm Changes", but in Bossa Nova the attitude is different.
- Harmony: Use plenty of extensions (9, 13) and alterations (b9, b13 on V7).
- Rhythm: The left hand imitates the surdo (drum) and the right hand a syncopated guitar.
🎹 In C Major (with Bossa color)
- Cmaj9 (C-E-G-B-D)
- Am9 (A-C-E-G-B)
- Dm9 (D-F-A-C-E)
- G13 (G-F-B-E)
🥁 Bossa Pattern (Bossa Clave)
The rhythmic pattern is fundamental. Try using bossa_nova_bass in the left hand and chords_syncopated in the right hand.