This is the Jazz School's first ever guest lesson. And we've been able to secure none other than Andreas Schulz as our lecturer. Andreas is a true expert in the field of German-language print media covering the acoustic guitar: for decades, he was editor-in-chief of the successful magazines "Akustik Gitarre" and "Acoustic Player" for decades; he also wrote workshops for these magazines himself, conducted interviews with renowned artists from the international guitar scene, and penned numerous reviews of recordings as well as test reports on guitars of all types. As a guitarist, Andreas is constantly active and has just released a brand-new album featuring his own compositions. For more information, visit his website. This lesson covers a subject close to Andreas's heart, one he knows inside out: Bossa Nova – and he's set to release two lessons on this topic at the Jazz School. This one focuses on rhythm guitar: what accompaniment patterns are there, which voicings suit the melancholic mood of this style, and how can you 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 uses the wonderful changes from the Brazilian classic "How Insensitive" by Antônio Carlos Jobim.
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.
