Mel Bay Bossa Nova and Samba for Guitar [Paperback]

Mike Christiansen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 22, 2005

This book contains the elements necessary to learn to play authentic bossa nova and samba accompaniment patterns. The material is presented in a sequential easy-to-follow format. As well as accompaniment techniques, the book contains sections on chord voicings, common progressions, and playing bossa nova and samba solos. The student is taught how to apply the techniques to sheet music and lead sheets. All of the examples are demonstrated on the accompanying CD.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mike Christiansen is a Professor and Director of Guitar Studies at Utah State University. In 1994 he was selected "Professor of the Year" at Utah State. He is the author of numerous instructional books, has recorded several CDs, and appears on fourteen instructional videos. He has had articles published in several magazines including Acoustic Guitar and Soundboard, and has also conducted many workshops for guitarists and educators. In addition to this work geared toward teaching, he has played in many top bands and ensembles, has written and performed radio jingles, has backed up many artists on recordings and has written and recorded music for TV and educational films. Currently, in addition to his teaching and writing duties, Mike does solo work, performs with the Lightwood Duo (a clarinet-guitar duo), and is a member of the group, Mirage.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (November 22, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786665122
• ISBN-13: 978-0786665129
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #680,633 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rosetta Stone for Brazilian guitar, January 7, 2006

By 

Julie Hulvey "julazul" (Illinois USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mel Bay Bossa Nova and Samba for Guitar (Paperback)

For about the last 5 years, I've been wanting to move from the music that I *can* play to the music that I *want* to play and sing - bossa nova and samba. I had several books on the subject but, after watching performances, I realized that the books - and I -were missing something. This Christmas I thought I'd try again with some different books, one of which was Mike Christiansen's.

With his, I got lucky!

This is the only book I've seen to explain the different system of chords used, essential to playing bossa nova. With the system, your accompaniment falls into place. Already I am able to play some easier songs such as "Agua de Beber" and "O Morro Nao Tem Vez." My portuguese teacher, who lived in Brazil for 30 years, was amazed how I now had "the brazilian sound."

If you want to play bossa nova and you are on your own or without a teacher who understands this system, you will need this book.

The instruction is well-paced - challenging but not impossible.

Muita Obrigada, Mike Christianson!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good introduction to Samba & Bossa Nova, June 30, 2006

By 

Mr. N. Gemmell (Scotland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mel Bay Bossa Nova and Samba for Guitar (Paperback)

Gives a good grounding in this style. The rhythms and syncopation of this style of music are crucial in differentiating from just plain old chords and this book has good examples.

Moreover, the chords shapes used in this stle of music are explained and detailed, making it easier to interpret other tunes using this style (common chord shapes just don't work)

There are several nice tunes if you just want to learn some Bosa Nova to impress!