I want to start playing bossa nova on guitar and would like to know what are some basic chords I should know or be familiar with to be able to transition to this type of music more easily?
Thanks 
There’s no special bossa nova chords. Just like there’s no special reggae chords, no special bebop chords… all genres of popular music pretty much use the same type of chords.
Bossa nova is all about that rhythm and bass line. It’s all in the right hand. What happens in the left is secondary. Listen to any bossa track and you’ll hear it
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Same as jazz pretty much. 7th chords and 9th chords off all different qualities.
References :
There’s no special bossa nova chords. Just like there’s no special reggae chords, no special bebop chords… all genres of popular music pretty much use the same type of chords.
Bossa nova is all about that rhythm and bass line. It’s all in the right hand. What happens in the left is secondary. Listen to any bossa track and you’ll hear it
References :
major 7
major 9
min7
min9
dom7
dom9
dom7 b9
Gmaj7/ Cmaj7/Bmi7/ Bb7(9)/Ami9 /Abmaj7(9)/ Gmaj7(9)
References :
I totally agree that bossa nova is about the rhythm, sweltery(sp?), sultry rhythms of the Bossa Nova…….. ahhhhhh
Here are a couple of YouTubes so you can hear the Rhythm:
- Bem Bom (Gal Costa)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VLefxheB…
- Tarde em Itapoa (Maria Bethania w/Vinicius Moraes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56NvUAPR7…
- Estrada do Sol (Elis Regina and Gal Costa)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcshTxLT6…
- Chega de Saudade (Joao Gilberto and Tom Jobim (written by Jobim and Vinicius Moraes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guMek3_D6ls
- Garota de Ipanema (Girl From Ipanema)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8VPmtyLqSY
Just a few, but so you get the feel of the rhythm.
References :
Retired Percussionist; used to play Brasilian music, among other styles