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You are here: Home / Guitar Chord Songbook / One Note Samba Guitar Lesson

One Note Samba Guitar Lesson

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Song Background
 The song “One Note Samba” (Samba de Uma Nota So”) was composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim with the Portuguese lyrics by Newton Mendonca and the Englih lyrics by Jobim. In the guitar course I refer to this song when I’m talking about the construction of melodies because of the use of a single repeated note through the first 8 measures. This bossa nova tune has been  recorded by many artists including Bebel Gilberto, Stand Getz, Chatlei Byrd and Ella Fitzgerald. I include some of my favourite recordings below.
Guitar Chord Progression Analysis
This chord progression really has two different themes to it. In the first 16 measures the chords are chromatically falling. In measures 1-4 we have   – Dm7 – Db7 – Cm7 – B7(b5). This chromaticsim of the first 16 bars is contrasted by the II-V-I movements in the middle eight. When your attemptiing to play progressions, depending on your knowledge of guitar chord shapes, it can be quite difficult to make your playing sound smooth. Picking the right chord shapes is also essential to how tired the left hand becomes. 
Suggested Listening

 Frank Sanatra

Album – The Complete Reprise Recordings

I love this version from the old crooner himself.

 

 

Antonio Carlos Jobim

Album -The Millenium Collection

From the author himself.

 

 

Charlie Byrd

Album – Jazz n Samba

Back to one of my favourite guitarists. I always love Charlie Byrds Classical Nylon strung sound and it suits brazilian music perfectly.

 Howard Roberts

Album -The Magic Band II

Founder of the Guitar Institue of Technology Howard Roberts was known as a artist, session musician and teacher. A great musician this version really pushes along

 

 

Which artist’s version of One Note Samba would you recommend? Tell me about it and I can feature it here

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