Part 5/7:
Biato emphasizes that mastering these seven chords is sufficient to play the entire song exactly as it appears in the classic recording.
The Right-Hand Bossa Nova Pattern
The characteristic Bossa Nova rhythm relies on a simple yet subtle pattern involving plucking strings with the thumb (bass notes) and fingers (chord notes). The basic pattern is:
Play the chord with your fingers and thumb simultaneously
Followed by plucking the upper notes of the chord
Repeating this sequence creates that signature syncopated feel
Biato demonstrates that the pattern can be played straightforwardly as chord-chord-thumb-chord-chord-thumb, and later, players can improvise by adding variations or more complex rhythmic figures, reflecting the subtle nuances heard in the recording.