Rhythm Notation
Strumming pattern notation
Time Signature:
4/4
Recommended Tempo:
120-140 BPM
Rhythm Character
The sophisticated Brazilian rhythm that blends samba with jazz. Smooth, syncopated, and perfect for jazz standards.
Techniques
- •Thumb Independence
- •Syncopation
- •Chord Voicings
Common Genres
- •Bossa Nova
- •Latin Jazz
- •Brazilian Jazz
- •Samba Jazz
Rhythm Variations
Partido Alto
advancedMore syncopated bossa pattern
💡 Application: Modern Brazilian music
Samba Pattern
advancedFaster, more energetic
💡 Application: Carnival and samba
Jazz Bossa
intermediateSimplified for combo playing
💡 Application: Jazz standards
Famous Songs
"The Girl from Ipanema"
by Antonio Carlos Jobim
Used in: Main pattern
"Corcovado"
by Antonio Carlos Jobim
Used in: Rhythm guitar
"Desafinado"
by João Gilberto
Used in: Guitar accompaniment
"Wave"
by Antonio Carlos Jobim
Used in: Bossa rhythm
Practice Exercises
Bass and Chord Separation
Develop independence between thumb and fingers
Steps:
- 1.Practice bass line alone
- 2.Practice chord rhythm alone
- 3.Combine very slowly
- 4.Focus on steady bass
- 5.Add syncopation gradually
Focus:
Hand independence
Bossa Nova Standards
Apply rhythm to classic songs
Steps:
- 1.Learn 'Girl from Ipanema' chords
- 2.Apply basic bossa pattern
- 3.Work on smooth transitions
- 4.Add bass line variations
- 5.Practice with recordings
Focus:
Repertoire building
Syncopation Mastery
Perfect the bossa nova feel
Steps:
- 1.Count syncopation out loud
- 2.Use metronome on 2 and 4
- 3.Practice with piano recordings
- 4.Record yourself
- 5.Compare with originals
Focus:
Rhythmic accuracy
Technical Tips
Playing Tips
- •Thumb plays steady bass
- •Fingers play syncopated chords
- •Practice hands separately first
- •Maintain independence throughout
- •Feel the push and pull
- •Don't rush syncopated beats
- •Keep it smooth and relaxed
- •Listen to João Gilberto
- •Use maj7, m7, and 9th chords
- •Keep voicings in middle register
- •Avoid too many bass notes
- •Think pianistic approach
Common Problems
- •Can't maintain bass and chord independence
- •Rhythm sounds stiff
- •Losing syncopation
Metronome Practice Guide
Master More Guitar Rhythms
Expand your rhythmic vocabulary with our complete collection of guitar rhythms and strumming patterns.