A complete method to understand, connect, and apply authentic Bossa Nova rhythm on guitar, designed to help you truly understand and play Bossa Nova guitar with confidence.
Instead of memorizing shapes or patterns without context, you’ll develop a deep sense of rhythm, groove, and musical phrasing — the elements that define the authentic Bossa Nova sound.
Through progressive lessons, you’ll learn essential right-hand patterns, apply them to real songs like The Girl from Ipanema, and build a solid foundation for accompaniment, improvisation, and musical expression.
All material is demonstrated clearly with practical examples, including tablature, standard notation, and supporting charts to guide your practice.
COURSE CURRICULUM
Foundations of Bossa Nova Guitar
Applying the Patterns “The Girl from Ipanema”
Advanced Bossa Nova Patterns
Advanced Application “Desafinado”
Applying Advanced Patterns “Chega de Saudade”
Final Etude “Developing Your Bossa Nova Style”
Technique & Final Thoughts
YouTube Video Links, Chord Grids and iReal Charts
Want to go deeper?
This book is the foundation. From here, you can take the next step depending on how you like to learn:
- Structured, step-by-step guidance
→ Explore full courses - Personal feedback and faster progress
→ Book a private lesson with Michael - Need charts, tabs, and play-along tools?
→ Access chord grids, iReal Pro files, and lesson materials on Michael’s Patreon - Reinforce what you learn
→ Continue with Michael’s free YouTube tutorials
About the author
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
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