Improv with Bossa Nova (Major)
Introduction
This chord progression is in the “Bossa Nova” style. The chord progression emphasizes the minor key, but with a tonicization of the relative major.
The Chord Progression
Materials to Use
This track is in B♭ major generally, but there are secondary dominants and other special chords which call for other scales.
If you find it difficult to improvise using so many different scales, you should probably consider going back to some earlier improvisation lessons, focusing on dealing with one non-diatonic chord at a time.
B♭ Major – for diatonic chords
B♭ Mixolydian – for B♭7 chord
E♭ Melodic Minor – for E♭min6 chord
D Mixolydian ♭9 ♭13 – for D7 chord
A♭ Whole-Tone Scale (from C) – for A♭7(♭5) chord
Backing Track
When you’re ready, improvise along with the track.
Exercises
- Play the chords along with the track.
- Practice the indicated scales.
- Play the indicated scales along with the chords.
- Compose a short melody using the indicated scales with the track.
As the creator of Hub Guitar, Grey has compiled hundreds of guitar lessons, written several books, and filmed hundreds of video lessons. He teaches private lessons in his Boston studio, as well as via video chat through TakeLessons.