Caetano Veloso is one of Brazil's greatest songwriters. From Tropicália to Manguebeat, his work spans decades and genres — and much of it sounds incredible on guitar. Toca Aquela has 541 Caetano Veloso chord charts, all free and ad-free.

Whether you are exploring Brazilian music or already know his work, this guide covers the 15 most-played songs with tips on how to play each one.

Why Caetano on Guitar?

Most of Caetano's compositions use sophisticated but accessible chord progressions. Many work with just 4 to 6 basic chords. The richness is in the melody and lyrics — the accompaniment can be simple and still sound complete.

The 15 Best Songs

1. Tropicália (Key: A)

An anthem of the Tropicália movement. The A major progression is straightforward, with moves to D and E that give the song its joyful character. View full chord chart →

2. Reconvexo (Key: D)

Written by Caetano and immortalized by Maria Bethânia. In D major, it uses seventh chords that give it that Bahian flavor. View full chord chart →

3. Desde Que o Samba É Samba (Key: D)

One of the most beautiful love letters to samba. D major with subtle harmonic shifts. View full chord chart →

4. Tigresa (Key: C#m)

Caetano in rock mode. The C# minor key brings the intensity the lyrics demand. Use a capo on fret 4 to simplify. View full chord chart →

5. Você Não Entende Nada / Cotidiano (Key: E)

Two songs that complement each other. The first is fast and direct, the second is a classic about everyday life. Key of E major. View full chord chart →

6. Podres Poderes (Key: A)

Social criticism with a catchy melody. A major with simple chords — perfect for beginners who want to play Caetano. View full chord chart →

7. Cinema Novo (Key: A)

A tribute to the Brazilian film movement. Upbeat rhythm in A major with samba strumming. View full chord chart →

8. Partido Alto (Key: A)

Traditional samba with Caetano's harmonic sophistication. A major with ninth chord passages. View full chord chart →

9. Clarice (Key: D)

A tribute to writer Clarice Lispector. Delicate melody in D major that works beautifully for solo guitar. View full chord chart →

10. Um Comunista (Key: F)

One of the more recent compositions on this list. F major — use a barre chord or capo on fret 1. View full chord chart →

11. Tradição (Key: Ab)

Ab may seem tricky, but with a capo on fret 1 it becomes very accessible. View full chord chart →

12. Ele Me Deu Um Beijo Na Boca (Key: Cm)

Minor key with an intimate feel. C minor with chromatic passages that are Caetano's trademark. View full chord chart →

13. Sem Samba Não Dá (Key: G)

G major — one of the friendliest keys for guitar. Samba rhythm with a great groove. View full chord chart →

14. A Little More Blue (Key: C)

Caetano singing in English. C major with jazzy chords that add special charm. View full chord chart →

15. La Flor de La Canela (Key: A)

A Peruvian waltz that Caetano recorded with his characteristic delicacy. A major with a ternary rhythm. View full chord chart →

Tips for Playing Caetano Veloso

• Fingerpicking vs. strumming: Many Caetano songs sound better fingerpicked. Use your thumb on the bass strings and fingers on the treble strings.
• Seventh chords: Caetano loves seventh chords (G7, C7, Am7). Add them even when the chart shows a basic chord — it sounds more authentic.
• Original key: Caetano sings in keys that can be tough for others. Use the Toca Aquela transposer to adjust to your range.
• Bossa nova: Many of Caetano's songs have bossa nova influence. Study the bossa nova pattern (thumb alternating between 6th and 4th strings) for a more authentic sound.

All 541 Caetano Veloso Chord Charts

This guide covers just 15 songs, but Toca Aquela has 541 Caetano Veloso chord charts — all free, no ads, with key transposition and chord diagrams.

View all Caetano Veloso chords →