Bossa sway
Long-short, long-short, leaning ahead: a gentle Brazilian sway. One of the root note patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. It plays one note, C (little finger, 5).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play C on 1, 2&, 3 and 4&.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Bossa sway on piano?
Long-short, long-short, leaning ahead: a gentle Brazilian sway. The root alone in a fixed rhythm, octave jumps optional. The piano version of a kick-drum pattern. Musicians call it root bass, bossa (1, 2&, 3, 4&).
Is Bossa sway hard to play?
It is a beginner pattern. Play it with your left hand alone at 60% speed until it feels steady, then add the other hand.
Which songs use Bossa sway?
Baby, Now That I've Found You by The Foundations, Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now by The Smiths and Wind Of Change by Scorpions use Bossa sway. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.