Brazil (Aquarela do Brasil) in A

Ary Barroso / Bob Russell(1939)bossa-nova
Do Re MiC D E
A

Chord Diagrams — Brazil (Aquarela do Brasil) in A (Guitar)

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Brazil (Aquarela do Brasil) in A

Key of A

A major is a rock and blues cornerstone. The open A string delivers a strong root, while both E strings ring as the fifth. Classic A-D-E progressions practically play themselves with open cowboy chords. The open high E is the fifth, reinforcing power. A is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open A string is the root and the open E strings provide the fifth above and below, creating a massive low-end anchor. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through A to B (ascending whole step), B to E (ascending perfect fourth), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to A (ascending unison), A to G (descending whole step), G to G# (ascending half step), G# to F# (descending whole step), F# to B (ascending perfect fourth), B to D (ascending minor third), D to C# (descending half step), C# to F# (ascending perfect fourth), F# to B (ascending perfect fourth). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The mix of stepwise and leap motion balances smoothness with harmonic drive. When the progression loops, the bass returns from B to A by whole step.

Scales for Improvisation

A major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, A Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.

bossa-nova4/4 · 59 bars · Form: A

Chords: A6, Bm7, E7, A, A7, G7, G♯7, F♯7, Bm, Dm6, C♯m7, F♯m7, B7.

Scales for Improvisation A bebop, A bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of A