How to Play "Blue Bossa" Nova on Jazz Guitar

Playing blues, or any specific genre for that matter, requires that you think of the concept in a specific way. In this case, playing the piece "Blue Bossa" or "Blue Bosa," think of how the blues should "feel" to you, and move your hands and fingers with that notion in mind. Following this chord progression gives you right sequence for the "Blue Bossa," at times misnamed the "Blue Bossanova."

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Start with finger picking, as much as you are able, as that gives this song--and blues/jazz songs of this kind--a proper sense of rhythm and feel. Feel free, though, to concentrate on rhythm through strumming as you begin getting used to this song. Start on the C-minor 7 chord for four beats.

2. Play F-minor 7 for four beats, then switch to E-minor 7 flat 5, then on to G7 sharp 5, and right back to C-minor 7 to round out the first set of chords. Stay on the rhythm as you move from this set into the next set of chords.

3. Go to a key change for this next section of the song, beginning with the E-flat-minor 7 chord, then to a G-sharp (or A-flat 7). From there, move to a D-flat-major 7 then to E-minor 7-flat 5. Round off this set with a change to G7 sharp 5.

4. Repeat the sequences as needed, based on your own listening to--and understanding of--the song. This will take some time; it's not a song that's easily mastered, given the nature of the chords it uses, but with practice everything is within reach.

Tips & Warnings

• Check online for tablature for this song: there are various models out there to choose from, and that can help you with the specific fingering for the melody if you want to move beyond just the playing/fingering of the chords.