Category Archives: Advanced

Chris Potter & Michael Brecker’s Secret to Playing Inside/Outside

Want to sound like Brecker or Potter? This lesson reveals the secret: two scale systems, one powerful sound. Learn how to shift functions, connect patterns, and master inside/outside phrasing. Full examples and PDF on Patreon to follow along.

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

  • Know Where to Put It – Practice with function, not just notes
  • Pair the Scales – Inside and tritone dominant unlock the modern jazz sound
  • Link the Keys – Use shared patterns to connect inside and outside

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
+ all lesson examples are transposed to the Tenor, Alto and Concert keys and bass clef 
+ all released lesson manual material are available in all 12 keys

In this tutorial
00:00 Their Chromatic Sound
00:44 Simple Pattern + Scale Pairs
02:00 Understand The Function
03:12 Tension and Release
04:14 Move With Flexibility
05:05 Extended Patterns
06:24 Working Out Phrases
07:09 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/126703664

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
The Genius of Coltrane’s 4-Note Pattern (1-2-3-5) https://youtu.be/gtRiKKTGYnc
https://www.patreon.com/posts/125864007 https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/the-genius-of-coltranes-4-note-pattern-1-2-3-5/

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorenballegaard
Website: https://sorenballegaard.dk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SorenBallegaard

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Why Arpeggios Are the Most Powerful Jazz Phrase (Here’s How)

Discover five powerful arpeggio techniques inspired by jazz greats Mark Turner, Sonny Rollins, and Joe Henderson. This lesson shows you how to train, flip, and apply arpeggios musically—through standards, modal motion, and modern wide-interval shapes.

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

  • Master the Basics – Build strong technical arpeggio control and flexibility.
  • Apply to Tunes – Drop arpeggios into standards and real progressions.
  • Stretch the Sound – Use modal motion and wide shapes like the pros.

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:

+ all lesson examples are transposed to the Tenor, Alto and Concert keys and bass clef 
+ all released lesson manual material are available in all 12 keys

In this tutorial
00:00 Why Arpeggios Are the Most Powerful Jazz Phrase (Here’s How)
01:26 Sonny Rollins On Arpeggios
03:33 Dropping Arpeggios Into Real Music
05:01 Joe Henderson’s Modal Approach
06:51 Super Structure Arpeggios With Mark Turner
08:01 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/126413722

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
You Can’t Play Jazz If You Cannot Do This! https://youtu.be/iiB2eNhvLBY
https://www.patreon.com/posts/123832036
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/you-cant-play-jazz-if-you-cannot-do-this/

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorenballegaard
Website: https://sorenballegaard.dk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SorenBallegaard

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

The Genius of Coltrane’s 4-Note Pattern (1-2-3-5)

Learn how Coltrane’s genius 1–2–3–5 four-note cell can transform your jazz solos. This lesson breaks down how to reshape, flip, and apply the pattern across keys and chords — inside, outside, and everything in between.

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

  • What Is the Coltrane Cell? – Understand the power of 1–2–3–5.
  • Flip It. Twist It. Own It – Learn to reshape the pattern creatively.
  • Sound Like Coltrane, Sound Like You – Apply the pattern in your own voice.

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:

+ all lesson examples are transposed to the Tenor, Alto and Concert keys and bass clef 
+ all released lesson manual material are available in all 12 keys

In this tutorial
00:00 The Genius Of Coltrane 1235 Pattern
00:58 Defining the 1235 pattern
02:22 The Coltrane Cell In II-V-I Licks
03:58 Add More Possibilities
05:56 How To Play It Melodically
07:00 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/125864007

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
https://youtu.be/8qc1oVJPwXA
https://www.patreon.com/posts/121139776
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/set-smart-goals-in-2025-and-learn-jazz-faster/

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorenballegaard
Website: https://sorenballegaard.dk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SorenBallegaard

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Jazz Etude Collection – one idea solo – Autumn Leaves

One Idea Solos is a great solo tool to train consistency and playing the same idea in more setting

Watch Video and download PDF here

Often when improvising the strongest approach is to use one idea and play around the idea. This makes for a clear solo story but also challenges you to know your ideas all the way through the form of the tunes you play.

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorenballegaard
Website: https://sorenballegaard.dk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SorenBallegaard

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

How To Play The Sound Not The Theory

Unlock the secrets of elite musicianship! Learn how top players internalize rhythm, harmony, and phrasing to hear every note they play. Transform licks into instinct, automate musical habits, and start improvising with confidence. Download the lesson manual on Patreon!

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

  • How Do Great Musicians Hear All These Notes? Discover how top players develop their deep musical hearing.
  • Train Your Ears Like the Masters – Break down their methods to internalize rhythm, harmony, and phrasing.
  • Transform Licks into Musical Instincts- Learn how to hear, adapt, and automate your vocabulary in real music.

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:

+ all lesson examples are transposed to the Tenor, Alto and Concert keys and bass clef 
+ all released lesson manual material are available in all 12 keys

In this tutorial
00:00 The Secret to Hearing Every Note Before You Play It
01:44 Copy Licks From great Players
02:33 Do Not Use Full Licks – Only Use Parts
03:57 Music Must Trigger The Sound You Want To Play
05:21 Expand What You Hear
06:19 Combine Old and New Material
07:32 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/123220388

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
Chris Potter – This Exercise Will Teach You
https://youtu.be/UOFL0NVuppc
https://www.patreon.com/posts/113788891
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/chris-potter-this-exercise-will-teach-you/

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/

Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorenballegaard
Website: https://sorenballegaard.dk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SorenBallegaard

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Chris Potter Explains Jazz Practice in 2 Minutes

Discover how to transform exercises into real jazz vocabulary using Chris Potter’s approach. Learn to apply patterns, arpeggios, and rhythms over Autumn Leaves, turning theory into music. Get structured practice insights and expand your improvisational toolbox.

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

  • The Key to Meaningful Practice – Exercises are useless without knowing where they belong.
  • Transforming Arpeggios into Music – Apply jazz exercises musically over Autumn Leaves.
  • Beyond Drills: Creating Jazz Language – Alter patterns with rhythm, structure, and phrasing

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
+ all lesson examples are transposed to the Tenor, Alto and Concert keys and bass clef 
+ all released lesson manual material are available in all 12 keys

In this tutorial
00:00 Why Practice Is Meaningless Without This
00:50 Why We Practice
01:40 How To Add Purpose
03:06 Chris Potters Practice Approach
04:16 Play Solos
05:49 Add More Ideas
06:50 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/122730497

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
Do This Everyday If You Want To Learn Jazz Faster https://youtu.be/d9XPNg-vvAo
https://www.patreon.com/posts/116467438
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/do-this-everyday-if-you-want-to-learn-jazz-faster/

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorenballegaard
Website: https://sorenballegaard.dk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SorenBallegaard

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Michael Brecker & The Gear Myth – Does Equipment Define Your Sound?

Is gear the secret to great playing, or just a distraction? This video explores Michael Brecker’s gear philosophy, personal experiences with saxophones, mouthpieces, and accessories, and the real impact of skill vs. equipment on sound. Let’s break the myth!

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

  • Gear vs. Skill – What Really Matters?
    Exploring the balance between equipment and personal ability in shaping sound.
  • Mouthpieces, Saxophones & The Brecker Perspective
    Lessons from Michael Brecker and personal experiences with saxophones and gear.
  • The Real Secret: Training Over Tools
    Why practice, breath control, and technique matter more than expensive equipment.

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
+ all lesson examples are transposed to the Tenor, Alto and Concert keys and bass clef 
+ all released lesson manual material are available in all 12 keys

In this tutorial
00:00 Everybody Plays Autumn Leaves – You Should Too
01:20 Learn The Melody
02:15 Find The Key Of The Tune
03:38 The Chords by Heart
04:24 Improvise using Chord Tones
05:55 Guide Tone Lines
07:27 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/122224979

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
5 Steps To Get The Best Sound
https://youtu.be/ix_I54QoGTQ
https://www.patreon.com/posts/83571836
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/5-steps-to-get-the-best-sound/

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorenballegaard
Website: https://sorenballegaard.dk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SorenBallegaard

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Pentatonic Shifting – The Most Powerful Pentatonic Skill

Master pentatonics like Brecker and Berg! Explore their iconic phrasing, pentatonic shifts, and modern sounds over standards like Autumn Leaves. Learn scale applications, harmonic fits, and melodic tools. Download the lesson manual on Patreon today!

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

  • Master the Melody: Learn by ear from simple versions.
  • Understand the Harmony: Grasp chords, key, and exceptions effortlessly.
  • Start Improvising: Use chord tones, lines, and rhythm creatively.

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:

+ all lesson examples are transposed to the Tenor, Alto and Concert keys and bass clef 
+ all released lesson manual material are available in all 12 keys

In this tutorial
00:00 Pentatonic Scale Sound Explained
01:24 What Pentatonic Scale Fit What Chord?
03:00 Pentatonic Shifting
05:06 The Dominant Issue
05:30 The Power Of Pentatonic Scales
07:39 The Right Pentatonic Choice
08:00 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/119667971

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
Coltrane Pentatonic Scales – How To Practice And Apply
https://youtu.be/Qd6bKryET4Y
https://www.patreon.com/posts/97223424
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/coltrane-pentatonic-scales-how-to-practice-and-apply/

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorenballegaard
Website: https://sorenballegaard.dk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SorenBallegaard

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Jazz Etude Collection – Have You Met Miss Jones Chris Potter Arpeggios

The first of many jazz solo etudes on standards.
Have You Met miss Jones full chorus solo using sped up arpeggios to get the sudden change and movement in the rhythm

Video Link
Download PDF

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorenballegaard
Website: https://sorenballegaard.dk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SorenBallegaard

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Chris Potter – Michael Brecker – Joe Henderson – How To Solo Using Scale Patterns

Master jazz soloing with moving scale patterns! Explore techniques inspired by Brecker, Henderson, and Potter to create fluid, dynamic melodies. Practice patterns across chords, tempos, and keys, and learn to seamlessly integrate them into your unique musical voice

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
– Patterns worked into licks in 3 steps – exercise – exercise lick – most musical 
+ all lesson examples are transposed to the Tenor, Alto and Concert keys and bass clef 
+ all released lesson manual material are available in all 12 keys

In this tutorial
00:00 How To Solo Using Scale Patterns
01:30 As Simple As It Gets – 3rds In The Scale
02:23 Add The Material Into Tunes
02:56 Do Not Sound Like An Exercise
04:07 Make The Changes Sound
04:56 Flexibility
06:18 Patterns In Groupings of 3
07:52 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/posts/117882651

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
10 Scale Exercises That You Need For Jazz
https://youtu.be/gcn0XTi6PWQ
https://www.patreon.com/posts/112868083
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/10-scale-exercises-that-you-need-for-jazz/

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
Chris Potter – Pat Metheny: How to Play What You Hear in Your Head
https://youtu.be/Ob7jwg4-fqc
https://www.patreon.com/posts/110629494
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/chris-potter-pat-metheny-how-to-play-what-you-hear-in-your-head/

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorenballegaard
Website: https://sorenballegaard.dk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SorenBallegaard

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona