Category Archives: Beginner

Beginner, Chord note solos, Chords, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Standards

The First Rule of Jazz Soloing (How It Works On Autumn Leaves)

Want to solo like the jazz greats? This lesson breaks down the first rule of jazz soloing—mastering chord tones. Using Autumn Leaves, I’ll show you how pros like Chet Baker and Brecker craft beautiful solos. Watch now and level up!

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

  • Master the First Rule of Jazz – Chord tones define great solos. Learn how pros use them.
  • Apply Chord Tone Soloing Techniques – Explore arpeggios, enclosures, and guide tones in Autumn Leaves.

  • Build Stronger, More Melodic Solos – Use motifs, rhythms, and structure to shape your lines.

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 Autumn Leaves – All Pro’s Started Here
01:27 Chord Basics and A Bit Extra
02:42 The First Phrase Of The Chord Tone Solo
04:31 Chord Tone Enclosures
06:16 Powerful Solo Tricks
07:51 Always End Strong
09:15 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/124812446

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

Video links:

How To Solo Over Autumn Leaves in 3 Steps (Jazz Beginner) https://youtu.be/P1l13jSYzyo
https://www.patreon.com/posts/120152734
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/how-to-solo-over-autumn-leaves-in-3-steps-jazz-beginner/

 

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

Beginner, Chords, Diatonic approach, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 10, Scales, Standards, Technique

Jazz Etude Collection – Arpeggios to the 9th – Autumn Leaves

Jazz Etude Collection – Arpeggios to the 9th – Autumn Leaves
Download PDF + check out video

https://www.patreon.com/posts/124341553

The chords of the tunes we play are the foundation of the form of the tune.
Playing solos with arpeggios are a great way to explore and learn the depth of the chords.

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

Beginner, Diatonic approach, II-V-I, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Standards, Timing

Why Pro Jazz Solos Sound So Smooth (And Why You Don’t – Yet!)

Discover how to transform your jazz solos with long, connected lines that flow effortlessly over chord progressions. Learn techniques from Stan Getz, master guide tones, target notes, and forward motion, and develop a seamless, melodic improvisation style.

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

  •  Why Do Jazz Lines Sound So Complicated? – Breaking down what makes long jazz lines challenging.
  • The Secret to Playing Over the Barline – Connecting chords smoothly using rhythm and melodic phrasing.
  •  Guide Tones & Forward Motion – Mastering target notes to keep your lines flowing naturally.

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 Your Jazz Lines Sound Choppy (And How to Fix It)
00:42 Smooth Stan Getz
02:26 Best Scale Hack Ever
03:30 Connecting The Bars
05:52 Make Longer Phrases – Make It Flow
07:03 Smooth Connecting Longer Phrases
09:00 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/124335336

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

Video links:
Use Scales Like Coltrane (It is GENIUS!) 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

Beginner, Chord note solos, Chords, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Scales

You Can’t Play Jazz If You Cannot Do This!

Unlock the key to fluent jazz solos! This method takes you from simple chord tones to expressive 8th-note phrases. Master rhythmic subdivision, motivic playing, and leading tones – creating natural, flowing lines. Download the lesson manual on Patreon – link in the description!

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

  • Master Rhythmic Subdivision in Jazz – Learn how rhythmic layering transforms your improvisation.
  • The 4-Step Plan for Fluent Jazz Solos – From whole notes to 8th-note lines, build fluency step by step.
  • Mix Rhythms for Expressive Improvisation – Switch between note values to create dynamic, melodic solos.

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 This Basic Exercise Is 10x More Powerful Than You Think
00:42 A 4 Step Plan
01:42 Step 1 – The Basics
03:27 Step 2 – Double the Efforts
04:12 Step 3 – Add the 9th, bits of scale and Quarter Notes
06:22 Step 4 – Mix and add Scales
07:41 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/123832036

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

Video links:
Use Scales Like Coltrane (It is GENIUS!) 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

Beginner, Chords, Diatonic approach, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 10, Scales, Standards, Technique

Jazz Etude Collection – Basic scales connecting chord tones – Have You Met Miss Jones

To improvise using scales when playing jazz is a must. 
This etude takes you through the first step in the proces, connecting basic chord tones with the scale.
At the same time this etude presents a very melodic solo not sounding like basic material – really showing you what you can do with basic material and still sound PRO

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

Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Technique

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

Advanced, Beginner, Chords, II-V-I, Intermediate, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, Technique

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

Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate, Patreon Tier 5, Saxophones and mouthpieces, SOUND/INTONATION/EMBOUCHURE/ARTICULATION

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

Beginner, Chord note solos, Chords, Diatonic approach, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 10, Standards, Technique

Jazz Etude Collection – Motifs – The Strongest Melodic Tool there is in music

Jazz Etude Collection – Motifs – The Strongest Melodic Tool

Motifs – The Strongest Melodic Tool there is in music.
Inspirational Etude on “Have You Met Miss Jones” on how to play a motivic solo
Learn beautiful jazz standard by playing melodic jazz phrases

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

Beginner, Chord note solos, Chords, Diatonic approach, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 10, Standards, Technique

Jazz Etude Collection – Have You Met Miss Jones Basic chords and Guide Tone Lines

If you want to learn to play Have You Met Miss Jones You might want to start here
Play and learn the chords and arpeggios

Video
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