The Brazilian Sound For Fingerstyle Guitar

Brazil has produced some of the most vibrant and exciting guitar music in the instrument's history. In this lesson, Rick Udler discusses and demonstrates styles, techniques, and rhythms of Brazil's great players. This is auniqueopportunity for guitarists to delve into the beautiful sounds of this musical land.

Rick begins by going over chords that are commonly used by Brazilian guitarists. He then teaches the accompaniment tosinger/songwriterGilberto Gil's beautiful composition, 'A Paz', to illustrate the use of chords with open strings. A step-by-step analysis of Bossa Nova accompaniment in the João Gilberto style follows along with suggestions onhow to develop abetter feel for this sophisticated, syncopated groove.

The solo guitar rendition of the Antonio Carlos Jobim/Newton Mendonça classic 'One Note Samba' will be a welcome addition to many players repertoireswith it'srhythmic drive and rich harmony. Samba rhythms are then explored with examples that are sure to enhance one's groove and arsenal of techniques. Rick also gives examples of inner string movement which will prove invaluableto thoselooking for ways to generate more excitement and authenticity in their comping. A sambified version of 'Happy Birthday' demonstrates how to apply these techniques to a familiar tune and make it sound fresh.And, to providean evengreater challenge for all players, Rick gives a detailed analysis of his tour de force solo guitar piece 'Amigo Paulo', composed as an homage to his friend, guitar legend Paulinho Nogueira (1927-2003). This tune with it'schoroinfluences incorporates many of the techniques Rick learned directly from the master and is sure to provide much musical food for thought for players who are looking for innovative new colours and textures to add to theirplaying.