This is the Jazz School's first ever guest lesson. And we are delighted to have secured none other than Andreas Schulz as our first lecturer. Andreas is certainly no stranger to the world of acoustic and electric guitars, at the very least within the German-language print media: For decades, he was editor-in-chief of the successful magazines "Akustik Gitarre" and "Acoustic Player", wrote workshops for these magazines himself, conducted memorable interviews with renowned artists from the international guitar scene and penned reviews of recordings as well as test reports for guitars of all types. Andreas is also active as a guitarist and has just released an album of his own compositions. Visit his website for more information about his work. This lesson covers a subject close to Andreas's heart, one with which he is truly well versed: Bossa Nova – and he is set to release two lessons on this topic at the Jazz School. This one focuses on rhythm guitar: What accompaniment patterns are available, which voicings suit the melancholic mood of the style, and how to create a sense of tension that responds to the soloist's narrative and thus provides effective support. As an example chord progression for this lesson, Andreas draws on the wonderful chord changes from the Brazilian classic "How Insensitive" by Antônio Carlos Jobim. We hope you enjoy working through this lesson.
Level
Easy peasy
Lessons
5 Lessons | min
Lesson 1Introduction
Duration: min
Let me introduce you to the topics covered in the course "Bossa Nova Basics".
Lesson 2Bossa Nova Accompaniment Patterns
Duration: min
The first video focuses exclusively on the characteristic accompaniment rhythm of Bossa Nova. In the beginning, the fretting hand is kept as relaxed as possible. Andreas explains the interplay between the bass and the upper structure of the chords using four very practical examples.
Lesson 3Pattern 4 with Alternate Bass
Duration: min
Now we're introducing the first chords. Andreas demonstrates a chord progression typical of Bossa Nova: A II–V–I progression in a minor key. For this, take a look at our Minor II-V-I course, if you'd like to explore the topic of quot;Minor II-V-I" in more depth beforehand. In addition to the patterns introduced in the first video, the typical alternate bass figure is now also used.
Lesson 4"How Insensitive" Changes with Alternate Bass
Duration: min
Andreas explains how you can play through the chord progression of "How Insensitive" with beautiful voicings. As the chord progression unfolds, Andreas uses various patterns that can enhance the soloist's dramatic effect. Learn how to implement the famous alternate bass figure in the chords. Take particular care with the last two bars, which feature the rather unusual chords Dm6/9 and Eb(maj13).
Lesson 5"How Insensitive" Changes – Performance
Duration: min
Here you can watch, listen to and even play along with the performance of "How Insensitive" and all the changes in its entirety.
