Bossa Nova Groove in E minor

Bossa nova blends samba rhythm with jazz harmony. This progression uses Em7, A7, Dmaj7 and Bm7b5 — a minor ii–V–I with a half-diminished colour — evoking the intimate sound of João Gilberto. The right-hand rhythm is the key: bass notes on beats 1 and 2+, with syncopated chord hits on the upbeats.