Learning Ukulele with Curt

Bossa Nova

It's the Rhythm!

Not a particular strumming pattern. In fact, for a Bossa Nova it's not strumming that will get you that authentic feel and sound of the traditional Bossa Nova.

The Bossa Nova or Bossa for short is based on the clave pattern .

The Clave is a five-stroke pattern that represents the structural core of many Afro-Cuban rhythms. It is also a pair of cylindrical hardwood sticks that are used as a percussion instrument. And, in Spanish, clave literally means key, clef, code, or keystone.

The Bossa clave pattern is a 3:2 pattern as that is similar the the son clave, but has a second note of the two side of the 3:2 clave is delayed. The clave pattern is typically played as a snare rim pattern. The pattern can be notated on 2 or 4. Traditional Brazilian music is noted in 2/4. North American charts are more likely in 4.

3:2 Bossa Clave Pattern

bossa

To practice the pattern, clap or tap the following eight note pattern with the accents, as indicated on the 3:2 clave.

bossa

The clave pattern can also be played 2:3, simply swapping measure one and two.

Using the Modular Phonetic Rhythm System level I and mainly level II with rests and ties rhythmic syllables using fingerstyle - you will get an authentic Bossa Nova feel. Especially on ukulele as a classical guitar with nylon strings is traditional associated with accompaniment in this style.

Repertoire

Pretty any song can be performed in the Bossa Nova style. Especially songs where the harmonic density is typically one chord every measure or two.

Here are some songs that are truly Bossa Novas that are part of the standard jazz repertoire.

Pretty much any Antonio Carlos Jobim song as many of Jobim's songs are jazz standards.

Coming Soon

Examples patterns and video demos.

Site Access Plans for LearningUkulele.com

Forever Access - With Forever Premium Access, you get ALL the benefits of a Premium Access Subscription such as Unlimited 24/7 access to ALL lessons, downloads, songs, play-along jam tracks, videos, email access to Curt, resources, related assets, and ALL books by Curt as FREE downloads. Pretty much everything on the site, and NEVER worry about a subscription or surprise payment again. And jump the queue for responding to any questions.

If you're anything like me (Curt) and getting Subscription overloaded with everything and everybody on-line wanting money from you once a month — I'm with you. For like-minded individuals, this forever plan is a pay once, and you're done.

The price for Unlimited Forever access is right around the cost of a few months of private lessons. I can guarantee there is more than enough material on-line to keep you busy for a long, long time. And, you get all of my books for FREE. That alone is more than the cost of this plan.

Premium Access - This premium gives you Unlimited 24/7 access to ALL lessons, downloads, songs, play-along jam tracks, videos, email access to Curt, resources and related assets. As well as ALL books by Curt Sheller as FREE downloads.

Basic Access - A limited selection of basic lessons — ( currently over 140 ) and 100+ songs for ukulele as well as basic general music reference material — Completely FREE — Simply Register/Signup. HOWEVER - I've been doing ukulele and LearningUkulele.com since 2003 and probably have given too much away already - as reflected in my income from the site in relationship to the time spent on the site. So help support this site and its continued development by signing up for one of the below Premium Access Plans or buy a few of my books. - Thanks, Curt

NOTE: Each higher access level includes ALL the benefits of the lower levels. Private Lessons include all the benefits of a Premium Access Plans as long as you remain a student on the schedule.

Just browsing over both books, they look fantastic! I'm a guitarist and uke player for over 25 years and was thinking about writing a ukulele book but you've already written what I think are the best, most comprehensive and thorough books I've ever seen for the instrument. I just might end up buying every book you've written and I'll be giving my highest recommendation for your books to my friends and students. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such great books!Peter Rhee

Aloha, Curt, All I can say is WOW! What you have accomplished is simply incredible! All the bestGlen Hirabayashi, The Aloha Boys

Folks, if you haven't stopped by Curt's site, do so right now! ..And get his books, they are fantastic. This guy knows his stuff and is able to pass it along too.Alan Johnson Proprietor, The 4th Peg

I can highly recommend Curt's Uke books — I have four of them and they are excellent.fatveg — Portland

Want to drop LearningUkulele.com & Learning Ukulele with Curt a nice comment . We always like to know how we are and you are doing. We'll post any comment, quotes throughout the site and you can help spread the word .

Thanks for visiting and checking out the site!

curtieAnim.gif rw.vg.gif

Original Curtie Animation from 1987 for my first web site on a Macintosh II, 37 years ago. Man, does time fly.

“Built for myself (Curt), and sharing with the `Ukulele community!”

LearningUkulele.com has one of the largest collections of lessons, songs, and TABS, Luthiers, ukulele builders, ukulele festival and club information, and, ukulele links on the web. Curt has been on the ®Internet since the early 1990's and This site just never stops growing!!!

Content is added and updated daily — so check back often. I really do need to get out more ;-)

Love LearningUkulele.com? • Show your support!
Support development via a monthly membership or a one-time forever membership!