Bossa Nova music is the fusion of South American rhythm elements with North American jazz harmonies. The founder of the genre is Antonio Carlos Jobim, a Brazilian musician who worked as a bar pianist in Rio de Janeiro when he was young. He appropriated the light music that was common at the time – American jazz – and merged it with the music of his childhood and youth – Brazilian samba, choro and similar styles. Bossa Nova was born.

Joao Gilberto adapted many of Jobim’s songs for the guitar and developed the typical accompaniment style. It was also he who recorded the album “Getz/Gilberto” together with the American jazz saxophonist Stan Getz in 1963, which made bossa nova famous in America – and therefore worldwide. 

The most famous Bossa Nova song is The Girl from Ipanema. Find out more about this and other Bossa Nova songs in this collection of the most popular Bossa Nova songs. Bossa Nova music is famous for its soft and warm-sounding chords. If you want a quick start on the guitar have a look at the most beautiful Bossa Nova chords. Apart from Tom Jobim and Joao Gilberto, there were of course other influentual musicians. Discover more fantastic Latin and Bossa Nova guitar players!