BOSSA NOVA walking bassline and right hand technique

Jazzmaster · #1 January 2nd, 2009

Hi Kirk,

after downloading the basic bossa nova lesson and some practicing it really works out well but I noticed that the bassline in the tab is not exactely what you play in the video, especially at the beginning C7M, C6.

I know it's not a good idea to copy your play note for note but I would like to know as a start what you play because your bassline and rhythm is better than mine :-) As for the right hand technique, would you advise to strum the single note on the d-string in bars 1,3,5 with the thumb?

Thanks a lot for you advise!

best regards, Steve

Kirk Lorange · #2 January 2nd, 2009

Right you are, Jazzmaster. That was done a while ago so I can't remember why it wound up like that -- either sheer stupidity or I may have done a couple of versions and tabbed out the wrong one or uploaded the wrong one. OK, stupidity.

Check it now and see if it's accurate and thanks so much for pointing that out.

Bossa Nova Rhythm Guitar

I'll have to make the amended tab, midi files and GuitarPro file available for those who bought the lesson. Hmmm ... leave it with me ... CLANCY?

Kirk Lorange · #3 January 2nd, 2009

Forgot to answer the rest of your question: I use my index in this. I usually let the thumb take care of the three bass strings but in this case because I pluck that D string with my index in the little chord each time, it seems best to let it take care of that string all the time ... it's already there. If you find it better to use the thumb, go for it. Whatever feels best and is most musical is the way to go.

Clancy · #4 January 2nd, 2009

Jazzmaster,

If you go here - http://www.guitarforbeginners.com/fo...hp?do=download and download the lesson again you will have the updated lesson.

Clancy

Jazzmaster · #5 January 2nd, 2009

Hi @all,

thank you so much for your quick reply. I downloaded the zip file again and I believe the tab is exactely like the video now.

As for the right hand it's good to know you don't recommend a strict rule to follow. As you wrote I feel it's more natural to use the index finger for single notes as it's already there. The guitar teacher I had a long time ago advised me to strictly use thumb for single notes on E, A and D string and to move the fingers accordingly but I always felt too formal with it. So I will kind of relearn my right hand technique.

best regards, Steve