BOSSA NOVA GUITAR – THE ESSENTIAL RHYTHM METHOD
Learn to play Bossa Nova with confidence and flow. Through structured lessons and real songs, you’ll develop a natural groove and a deeper understanding of rhythm on the guitar.
ACCESS COURSE
HOW TO PLAY TRES CUBANO - (COMING SOON)
Step into the rich world of Cuban rhythm by learning the fundamentals of the tres. Build a strong rhythmic foundation and unlock the groove at the heart of the music.
COMING SOON
About your teacher
Michael holds a Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory. He has pursued advanced studies in Flamenco, Jazz, Brazilian, and Cuban music, and regularly teaches and performs across Kansas City, Paris, and Havana.
As a Performer
For over 20 years, Michael McClintock has built an international career as a guitarist and recording artist. He has released a recent solo album of original compositions for a variety of guitars, praised by critics for its virtuosity. He is also the driving force behind Cubanisms, with two acclaimed albums that earned outstanding reviews in the U.S., Colombia, and Cuba — the second described as sui generis, breaking traditional boundaries. Beyond his own projects, Michael has contributed to nearly ten other albums, including collaborations with Grammy-winning artists. He continues to perform regularly across Kansas City, Paris, and Havana.
As a Teacher
For more than two decades, Michael has taught students of all levels, sharing his expertise in classical and world guitar styles, and also in music theory. His students benefit not only from his academic training but also from his extensive professional performance experience.
Selected teaching experience includes:
• Michael McClintock Music Studios (2003–present)
• Masterclass – Tres Cubano, Folk Alliance International (USA, 2017)
• Masterclass – Escuela Nacional de Música (Havana, Cuba, 2019)
• Masterclass – Jazz improvisation (Guitar & Tres Cubano), Jazz Plaza Festival (Cuba, 2026)
Michael also shares free educational content on YouTube, reaching a growing audience of guitarists worldwide (9,000+ subscribers | 140,000+ views on top videos).
Students feedback (via YouTube)
@edmorrison7590 - One of the best video tutorials I have ever seen. Clear instructions for fingering placement on the chords and I’ve seen another of your video demonstrating how to change chords with minimum effort. Look forward to more of these instructive videos, well done.
@acastano59 - Frankly, one of the best youtube channels for learn how to play guitar. Keep going. This song, that seemed impossible to learn, in one day I learned the first part. Thanks from France 🙂
@James333-n2q - Chord progression and chord charts shown on screen, clear, precise and simple… to the point without endless waffle! Thank you.
@bill7016 - Hey Michael, thank you man. I've been playing that song for 40 years and this is the best chord arrangement I've come across.
@OldiesFlashback - You’ve provided the absolute best method for a tutorial with the split screen view. Thank you very much.
@guitarman4242 - Very comprehensible lesson. You have a way of explaining things that make it easy to learn. I picked it up right away.
@Whatzzzz999 - You make relatively complex music seem relatively straightforward!
@otaviocarneiro2441 - Man, your bossa nova tutorials are incredible! I've been trying to play songs like this for a while but never found an easy way to follow along and digestible chords, but you changed that man. Thank you so much! It is really helping me out! Keep up the incredible work man
@ricardoandrade7575 - It’s funny, I grew up in Brazil, yet I found your videos the most accurate and clear to understand
Trusted by 9,000+ guitarists learning with Michael on YouTube
EXCELLENT
Want to go deeper?
• Personal feedback and faster progress → Book a private lesson
• Prefer to start with a clear foundation? → Explore the guitar method book
• Need charts, tabs, and play-along tools? → Access chord grids, iReal Pro files, and lesson materials
• Reinforce what you learn → Continue with free YouTube tutorials