Piano chords · Dreamy ballad
How to play Soul Bossa Nova on piano
By Quincy Jones
- A major
- 4/4
- 160 BPM
- I–IV–I–IV loop
- 1963
- Easy
Play the full song with sheet music
Learn Soul Bossa Nova in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: A – D – A – D
How it goes
Soul Bossa Nova sits in A major: A is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: A is A, C# and E; D is D, F# and A. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
AIDIVAIDIV- AA · C# · E
- DD · F# · A
- 2
Left hand: Double-tap drop
How it goes
The same note twice, long then short, then a drop to a lower note. Musicians call it broken chord 8-8-5 (broken chord), an easy pattern heard in 336 songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: Lingering chords
How it goes
Two chords, then a late one after beat 3 that hangs in the air. It moves with the chords, so it fits every bar of the loop.
- 4
Both hands at 160 BPM
How it goes
Put the two hands together over the loop. Start at half speed with the player's speed control, and bring it up once every change is easy.
- 5
Ending: A – D – A
How it goes
The last chords are I – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
ADA
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Questions about Soul Bossa Nova
What chords are in Soul Bossa Nova?
The loop is A – D – A – D (I – IV – I – IV) in A major, and the song ends on A – D – A.
What key is Soul Bossa Nova in?
A major, at about 160 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in Soul Bossa Nova?
Double-tap drop: broken chord 8-8-5, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is Soul Bossa Nova easy to play on piano?
Yes. Both hands play easy patterns over 4 chords. Learn the chords first, then add one hand at a time.
Made from one arrangement of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.