March 2

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Bossa Nova Samba Patterns for Piano

By Thomas Gunther

March 2, 2024

Bossa Nova Samba, Brazilian Piano, Latin Piano

What you learn from this post

  • Definition of Bossa Nova and Bossa Nova Samba
  • Bossa Nova Samba piano patterns for accompanying a singer or an instrumentalist
  • Bossa Nova Samba left hand patterns for piano

Authenticity is paramount!

Each example presented here is based on original Bossa Nova Samba recordings by world -class Brazilian musicians like Antonio Carlos Jobim, who composed some of the most beautiful Brazilian songs, such as The Girl From Ipanema and One Note Samba. 

Free Download Offer!

To get your free download of our Authentic Bossa Nova Samba Piano Accompaniment Patterns & Exercises please subscribe to our mailing list (you may unsubscribe any time!) using the form below.


After downloading your free PDF, I recommend you watching the related video tutorial below, which explains all the different accompaniment patterns shown in the PDF.

Here are the main points the video focuses on:

  • Examples of the most important classic Bossa Nova Samba guitar and piano patterns
  • How to adapt Bossa Nova Samba guitar patterns for the piano 
  • Left hand patterns
  • Right hand patterns

What is Bossa Nova

Bossa Nova is a softer, commercialized, and heavily jazz-influenced type of traditional Samba music that originated in Brazil.
In Brazil, it is called Bossa Nova Samba, or Samba Bossa Nova

When listening to Brazilian recordings titled " Samba," we find a great variety in tempo, feel, and rhythm; many sound like what jazz musicians call Bossa Nova.

It is important to understand that in Brazil, the "Bossa Nova Beat" is characteristic of a samba style rather than an autonomous genre, as opposed to jazz musicians in the USA and Europe, who refer to Bossa Nova as a genre.

About My Free Video Tutorial on Bossa Nova Samba Piano Accompaniments 

I created a comprehensive video tutorial based on authentic Brazilian Bossa Nova Samba music. Since the acoustic guitar is essential in Bossa Nova Samba music, many piano rhythm patterns featured in the video are inspired by guitar patterns played by famous Brazilian Bossa Nova Samba guitarists. 

Our Most Popular Solo Piano Arrangement

Our best selling Solo Piano Arrangement Of The Month is THE GIRL FROM IPANEMA.
 It is one of the most beautiful Brazilian Bossa Nova Samba songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim ever written. Get the sheet music for only $5.99 now!

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Thomas Gunther

About the author

Born and raised in Germany, Thomas Gunther (in Germany known as Thommy Günther) is a versatile internationally active jazz pianist/keyboardist, music producer, and music educator.

Thomas holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Performing Jazz and Popular Music from the State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart/Germany.
After moving to Chicago, he soon becomes the principal pianist with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Stan Kenton's music arranger/composer William Russo. With this group he had the pleasure of performing with world renown guest artists such as Randy Brecker, Body DiFranco, Archie Sheep, Jon Faddis, Cassandra Wilson, Orbert Davis, etc.
Today he is an integrated part of the Chicago music scene performing with different groups as sideman and leader. He leads the Thomas Gunther Trio Plus, and toured Germany with the Thomas Gunther’s Taste Of Chicago Band. 
He has produced, arranged, and recorded lots of music as a leader and sideman. He also offers music arranging and orchestration services for groups of all sizes, including the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. Thomas currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia College Chicago. Find out more about Thomas at https://www.ThomasGunther.com

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