"Wave": A Blues disguised as a Bossa

If you're familiar with the standard, "Wave" by Antonio Carlos Jobim, after watching this video you'll never think of it as just another bossa nova. It's actually a 12 bar blues with an added bridge which in turn is based on a chord progression associated with several jazz standards.
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[@azeitegallo2]

I'm Brazilian and probably I listened to Wave a thousand times. But I'd never heard about "Wave" being a 12 bar blues. Tom Jobim was a true genius and he still surprises me. Thank you Richie.

[@ariobintangnugraha1916]

That boy Jobim messin with our mind!!

[@TheMightyKingzuru]

Well explained and well delivered. This lesson proves that Jazz and Bossa Nova are true cousins who were separated at birth only to reunite later on the similarities in their harmonic structures is a true testament to that - the only difference between those two cousins is the rhythm.

[@RichieZellon]

Absolutely...thanks!

[@85gdawid]

This is brilliant. Thank you for the lesson

[@richardsorice4509]

I have quoted the Wave Melody over a regular 12 bar blues on a gig and my band mates stared in disbelief. I didn't think it was so hard to figure out. Hint: it is a tricky melody and good to practice in F and Bb. Another great video. Thanks, Richie!

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks Richard...glad you were aware of that! Also I agree, it's great to play it in different keys as long as you use different fingerings and stay in a good sounding range on the fretboard. When transposing, most guitarists will move a standard way up or down on the fretboard using the same fingering they originally learned it in, and it doesn't always sound good...

[@richardsorice4509]

Agreed. Sometimes transposing on guitar involves more than moving your hand up or down the neck. I'm a student of upright bass, also. In order to take advantage of open strings, I need many different fingerings to transpose a good solo line. Much practice needed, always.

[@AllisonMarquis]

Brilliant! I have been playing this tune for a while but it never dawned on me. And I love your playing too.😊

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks!!

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks!!

[@geckobaldy]

Fascinating. Thank you

[@robertveith5816]

I really enjoyed this I wanted to learn wave for a long time and this really needed this thank you Bobby

[@flamencodiablo007]

Wonderful vid! Thanks!!!

[@diego2246]

I am not so familiar with all the standards you quote, but still can follow the video. It is really interesting! Great channel!

[@BrandochGarage]

Thanks Richie! This was a great lesson and exercise in observation and seeing how different things go together. Excellent!

[@RichieZellon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cjsevalez]

Great video Richie. I've always found Wave a tricky one to get a grip on but this really helps with the changes. Now, I just need to find a way to get a handle on Chega de Saudade.

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks CJ, I'll have to do a video on Chega de Saudade...another favorite!

[@voliteon]

Great comment. Those are the exact same 2 same bossa nova songs that I find challenging.

[@patrickteiho1930]

Magnifique.

[@jumemowery9434]

Somehow I missed the notification for this one, but here I am! Love your videos. Thanks for all your efforts

[@RichieZellon]

Thank you for watching!

[@DizzyKrissi]

lol - I have never thought about this song in this way - thanks.

[@camilovillamizar6171]

Favourite bossa right here (:

[@sega62s]

Thx for the video, lately i have been practicing Bluesette, maybe if you have time, it would be a blast to have you show us the ropes! Thanks for those great analysis, your my best channel on youtube, and not the only one 🍻

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks Andy, much appreciated! As a matter of fact, I'm thinking of doing a standards in 3/4 series for which Bluesette is at the top of my list. Like Wave, that's another tune that reveals a lot of interesting harmonic surprises when you peak under the hood.😀

[@sega62s]

@@RichieZellon oh yeah , will be around for this video and others THX a bunch sir

[@ryankelley2629]

What scales does he play over the basic tune? Thank you for lesson my man, excellent

[@cf23figueroa23]

Great Lesson Richie! Now back to my Calisthenics...

[@RichieZellon]

Ha..thanks Carlos!

[@MrSqilz]

great lesson - could you help me with what scale could be used over the f#7 and b7 part please?

[@RichieZellon]

In Wave you can use an F# mixolydian over the F#7.

[@ancaryvan4811]

😅 Not really musical genius of me, but when you show the 1st chorus, that pattern immediately remind me of Jobim's another great song Samba de Verao or Summer Samba. Could that song also be another Blues in Samba disguise 🥸?

[@RichieZellon]

Nope, Summer Samba is not a blues in disguise. :)

[@raefblack7906]

I'd better watch more of your shit.. You know some good stuff

[@plumhunter9158]

nice lesson ... looking for the full Wave lesson.

[@dole-brentbayalas854]

Hi I just discovered this song and I wanted to play it, but man when I saw the chords I shat me pants. Anyone want to direct me concepts I need to learn in order to tackle bossa nova? (Ive taken to liking also other bossa tunes and just wanted a foundation in order not to shit my pants whilst Im learning the guitar)

[@andrysetiawan4001]

You're right it's you amazing. But I'm too stupid to understand.

[@iAlberto923]

So... should we say it is a true... Blue Bossa?

[@RichieZellon]

:) :) :)

[@andrysetiawan4001]

You're right it's you amazing. But I'm too stupid to understand.