Category Archives: Beginner

Beginner, Blues, Pentatonic scales, Tier 5

Sound great with one pentatonic scale – Play the blues like this

19 August, 2021 Søren Ballegaard

Sound great with one pentatonic scale – Play the blues like this
When starting to improvise you need something very understandable.
You need something that gives you the basic feel of improvising and which is useful in your further development of your playing.
You need to develop your feel for rhythm and timing.
You also need to develop your motor skills to correspond with your hearing.
In this video I will get you going on all these great skills with a super simple blues and one pentatonic scale.

LINK TO VIDEO

In this tutorial
Why starting with the blues?
The three dominants
One pentatonic scale
Pentatonic scale exercises
The pentatonic scale groups
One bar improvisation
Solo Method “Beginning the blues with one pentatonic scale”
Show, play and analyse a solo on a blues using one pentatonic scale
Get the full transcription of the lesson:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/44654129

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Video links:
Beginning the blues with one pentatonic scale
Solo method in the 6 most common blues keys
Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/44581076
Shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/beginning-the-blues-with-one-pentatonic-scale-solo-method-in-the-6-most-common-blues-keys/

Jazz Blues – this is the way to play jazz and get the blues sound
https://youtu.be/fb5CeaJLdzY

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My setup:
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Web-cam: https://amzn.to/3cf71cb
Music notation software – https://amzn.to/3gHW1ag
2x computer monitor – https://amzn.to/3gIclIm
Mini keyboard for music notation – https://amzn.to/3sVufcWTenor 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
Tenor reeds – https://amzn.to/2Qrk8zz
Alto reeds –https://amzn.to/2Pwv8Lu
Soprano reeds – https://amzn.to/3vnHfJS
Saxophone strap – https://amzn.to/3sV20Lt
Alto mouthpiece – https://amzn.to/3sZvdF0
Soprano mouthpiece – https://amzn.to/2R6mvI0
Alto Ligature – https://amzn.to/3xvCn7E
Tenor Saxophone Case – https://amzn.to/32SD1xG
Alto Saxophone Case – https://amzn.to/3aIqxgu

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

How to always practise the most important things in 5 minutes

19 August, 2021 Søren Ballegaard

How to always practise the most important things in 5 minutes
We all have 24 hours per day. No matter what you do you need to use the hours to the fullest.

You need to practise to get better, but maybe more importantly you need to have fun and live your life too.
This video is about how to get a super great 5 min practise, learn very efficiently, having fun and playing music.

LINK TO VIDEO

In this tutorial
Have fun and play music
Practise efficiently
Why 5 min of practise modules
How to plan and split up your practise
Practise examples on Take the A-Train
15 sec evaluation of your practise time
Full solo manual on “Take the A-Train”
Show, play and analyse a solo on “Take the A-Train”
Get the full transcription of the lesson:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/44919546

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https://www.patreon.com/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

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Video links:
FULL SOLO MANUAL ON TAKE THE A-TRAIN
Transposed for alto and tenor
Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/44883581
Shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/full-solo-manual-take-the-a-train-solo-chords-and-scales-exercises-etudes-and-how-tos-ebbb/

How to setup a good practice routine make a practice program
https://youtu.be/1rP2AvDDdjM

The 8 most important chord patterns you need to know
https://youtu.be/oWV2LtH7GEw

4 scale exercises you must know
https://youtu.be/jH4BE08wJY4

Get more value from the Youtube lessons by supporting me:
https://www.patreon.com/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

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Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
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Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

Beginner, Blues, Blues scales, Music theory, Pentatonic scales, Tier 5

The Best Thing About The Blues Scale And How To Use It

19 August, 2021 Søren Ballegaard

The Best Thing About The Blues Scale And How To Use It
The blues scale is a super great and flexible tool you can apply in any key and almost anywhere.
Here is how it works and how you add this to your playing.

LINK TO VIDEO

In this tutorial
00:00 Why the blues scale works really great and how to use it
00:21 Gene Ammons – Jazz and blues!!!01:02 A pentatonic scale with an extra sharp note
01:58 Blues example on C7
02:40 Blues example in F7
03:48 Why does the Blue note sound so wrong and so great?
04:08 BB king would sound like this on saxophone
04:20 The wrong notes are leading notes
06:01 The inversion of the blues scale
08:05 Common blues lick
08:09 Major 6 blues lick
08:17 Fitting it together
08:27 Get more value from the Youtube lessons by supporting me:
https://www.patreon.com/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Get the free E-book material on saxophone practice – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:

“Blues licks and scales compendium”
Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/47710439
Shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/blues-licks-and-scales-compendium/

How to add blues licks and sound in jazz and sound amazing

Lesson transcription:
Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/47709359
Shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/how-to-use-the-blues-scale-in-jazz-and-sound-amazing/
Youtube:
https://youtu.be/E3fIOFkgq94

Get more value from the Youtube lessons by supporting me:
https://www.patreon.com/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

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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/

Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, SOUND/INTONATION/EMBOUCHURE/ARTICULATION, Tier 5, Timing

10 ways to improve your playing by using a metronome

18 August, 2021 Søren Ballegaard

GET BETTER TIMING
DO THIS AND IMPROVE ALL THINGS ABOUT YOUR PLAYING
10 ways to improve your playing by using a metronome

All great artists have one thing in common – great timing.
Some people say that you have to be born with great timing.
That is not true.
Timing is something you have to work for no matter who you are.
There are so many great and fun ways to work on timing so you should seriously consider to make working on timing a part of your practise routine.

In this tutorial I will show you 10 practise tools which can help you to get great timing!

LINK TO VIDEO

What does timing mean?
Why do you want better timing?
What does the metronome do
10 timing exercises to use in your practise routine
Show, play and analyse a solo on “Rhythm changes”
Get the full transcription of the lesson:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/45137934

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https://www.patreon.com/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

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Video links:
“Chord pattern exercise manual – basic 7th chords of the major scale”
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/41195255
Shop
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/chord-pattern-exercise-manual-basic-7th-chords-of-the-major-scale/

Chord note solos – Instantly boost your jazz skills using this method
https://youtu.be/kDRytP4m7jY

Develop your solos – train your rhythm using this method
https://youtu.be/GAEeJ-ZmcIc

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

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
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Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate, SOUND/INTONATION/EMBOUCHURE/ARTICULATION, Tier 5

4 of the most effective sound exercises for your daily practise

18 August, 2021 Søren Ballegaard

MOST IMPORTANT – YOU SHOULD ALWAYS IMPROVE YOUR SOUND
4 of the most effective sound exercises for your daily practise

The first thing people listen to when they hear you play is your sound.
Not your great lines, not your speed, but your sound.
Luckily sound is one of the most easy things to practise.
With a very few great tools and practise methods you can get a really great sound or improve your already great sound.

In this video I will give you 4 of the most effective exercises to improve your sound.

LINK TO VIDEO

In this tutorial
What is a great sound?
What are the basic parameters for a great sound?
4 most effective sound exercises
The first sound exercises are breathing, relaxing and air flow foundation
2nd sound exercise – air flow
3rd sound exercises – strong sound
4th sound exercises – dynamics exercise
Show, play and analyse a solo on “On the Sunny Side of the Street”
Get the full transcription of the lesson:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/45962184

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https://www.patreon.com/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

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Video links:
“The overtone manual – exercises and licks – Get better control”
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/38835806
Shop
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/the-overtone-manual-exercises-and-licks-get-better-control/

Practice overtones and get a much richer sound and better tone control
https://youtu.be/7AchOxuiDcE

Sound is everything – get a better sound – exercises and how to’s
https://youtu.be/q9htAAR3SLk

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/

Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate, Saxophones and mouthpieces, Tier 5

How to check out a saxophone for great, equal sound and smooth mechanics

18 August, 2021 Søren Ballegaard

BUYING A SAXOPHONE – DO NOT MAKE THESE MISTAKES
How to check out a saxophone for great, equal sound and smooth mechanics

There is a lot of trade in saxophones. Sometimes you want to trade up and get a better instrument. The reasons can be many.
The most important thing when you buy an instrument is that you are happy with your purchase, that you are stepping in the direction that you want – technical, sound wise and ability to grow.

In this video I will go through how to check a horn – the do’s and don’ts

LINK TO VIDEO

In this tutorial
Why do you want a new saxophone?
The urge to get another instrument
You do not want…
What do you need to check on a saxophone
Sound check
Technical check
Price check
Get the full transcription of the lesson:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/46485991

Get more value from the Youtube lessons by supporting me:
https://www.patreon.com/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

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Video links:
Full lesson transcription – Buying a saxophone
Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/46485991
Shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/buying-a-saxophone/

Overtones
https://youtu.be/7AchOxuiDcE

Sound is everything
https://youtu.be/q9htAAR3SLk

You should always improve your sound
https://youtu.be/Y5rd49zooJ4

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/

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

How to set up a short flexible practice routine – gamify and have fun

18 August, 2021 Søren Ballegaard

BEST PRACTICE – USE YOUR TIME THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE
How to set up a short flexible practice routine

Do not get strangled in long practice programs stretching over months of time.
Always make sure you can step in on what is happening at the moment.
Be ready to follow what makes you happy.
Being inspired gets you to the next step in your practice.

In this video I walk you through how to be flexible in your practice and still set up a flexible practice routine.

LINK TO VIDEO

In this tutorial
What is good practice?
Stay motivated and grow your skills faster
How do you stay flexible in your practice? – gamify and have fun
Do not lock yourself up in long term goals
What topics do you need to get around in your practice
Setting small term goals in your practice
How to make a short term and flexible practice program
Get the full transcription of the lesson:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/47159620

Get more value from the Youtube lessons by supporting me:
https://www.patreon.com/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

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Video links:
How to set up a short flexible practice routine
Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/47159620
Shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/how-to-set-up-a-short-flexible-practice-routine/

How to set up a good practice routine make a practice program
https://youtu.be/1rP2AvDDdjM

Get the “Ultimate Practice Program Planner”
Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/46968265

– sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

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/

Beginner, Blues, Blues scales, Pentatonic scales, Scales, Tier 5

How to use the blues scale in jazz and sound amazing

13 August, 2021 Søren Ballegaard

A lot of times in jazz you hear a great solo and suddenly a super fat blues lick.
Between the somewhat complicated lines many players often add a super great over the top blues line.
Blues and jazz are right out of the same bag. Learn here how you can play and mix both
In this video I go through some blues scales and blues licks and how to apply on different chord progressions

LINK TO VIDEO

In this tutorial
What is the blues sound?
Why does blues work?
The common blues scale
Blues licks
Using the blues sound in chord progressions
Get the full transcription of the lesson:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/47709359

Get more value from the Youtube lessons by supporting me:
https://www.patreon.com/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

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Video links:
“Blues licks and scales compendium”
Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/47710439
Shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/blues-licks-and-scales-compendium/

BASIC BLUES – SOUND GREAT WITH ONLY ONE PENTATONIC SCALE
https://youtu.be/NaK81KNJBiI

Dave Brubeck tune – take 5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT9Eh8wNMkw

Dizzy Gillespie – Birks Work
https://youtu.be/nW8i_UfqYNw

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/

Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, SOUND/INTONATION/EMBOUCHURE/ARTICULATION, Technique, Tier 5

3 super bonanza embouchure exercises using only your mouthpiece

13 August, 2021 Søren Ballegaard

INTONATION, EMBOUCHURE AND VIBRATO – HERE IS HOW TO
3 super bonanza embouchure exercises using only your mouthpiece

I think it is difficult, I am always struggling with this, I have trained this a lot and am still doing it.
Tuning and intonation on the saxophone.
But we need impeccable tuning as saxophone players because one of the things most people can actually hear and relate to is bad tuning and bad intonation!

In this video I will take you through how to tune the saxophone and how to train your intonation.

In this tutorial
Why do you need good intonation?
The difference between tuning and intonation
Get great intonation
The greatest embouchure
Exercise – play a straight note
Exercise – lip bend
Exercise – Vibrato
Great sound is a part of great intonation
Get the full transcription of the lesson:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/49152848

Get more value from the Youtube lessons by supporting me:
https://www.patreon.com/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Get the free E-book material on saxophone practice – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
“The overtone manual – exercises and licks – Get better control”
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/38835806
Shop
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/the-overtone-manual-exercises-and-licks-get-better-control/

Practice overtones and get a much richer sound and better tone control
https://youtu.be/7AchOxuiDcE

Sound is everything – get a better sound – exercises and how to’s
https://youtu.be/q9htAAR3SLk

4 of the most effective sound exercises for your daily practise
https://youtu.be/Y5rd49zooJ4

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/

My setup:
Video camera: https://amzn.to/2S7hrUv
Web-cam: https://amzn.to/3cf71cb
Music notation software – https://amzn.to/3gHW1ag
2x computer monitor – https://amzn.to/3gIclIm
Mini keyboard for music notation – https://amzn.to/3sVufcWTenor 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
Tenor reeds – https://amzn.to/2Qrk8zz
Alto reeds –https://amzn.to/2Pwv8Lu
Soprano reeds – https://amzn.to/3vnHfJS
Saxophone strap – https://amzn.to/3sV20Lt
Alto mouthpiece – https://amzn.to/3sZvdF0
Soprano mouthpiece – https://amzn.to/2R6mvI0
Alto Ligature – https://amzn.to/3xvCn7E
Tenor Saxophone Case – https://amzn.to/32SD1xG
Alto Saxophone Case – https://amzn.to/3aIqxgu

Beginner, Blues, Pentatonic scales, Tier 5

Blues basics 4 – pentatonics and approach notes

Aside 31 March, 2016 Søren Ballegaard

I have divided the pentatonic scale into small groups around the roots of the blues chords. These groups i will use to approach the roots in the blues, its simpler than it sounds 🙂

I have devided the pentatonic scale into groups.

the groups are associated with the roots of the chords in the blues. The D, G and A.

Ill apply the groups and use them to target the root of the next bar.
in the following example i play the root of the chord on beat one. In the bar before I approach the one with the group belonging to the coming root.

You can see that the root is on the one of each bar and leading to the root I use the notes in the group of the coming root. Leading towards bars with the root D I use F and C as approach notes, leading to a G bar i use A and F and leading to an A bar i use the approach notes C and G. All connected through the groups beloning to the root.

You see in the above example that I in the first bar leading to the second bar, on the four, apply F leading to the G of the second bar. Bar two to three i connect with the approach note C in the group of D. On the ninth bar i apply the G leading to the A. The rule would be that i look in the coming bar for the root and backwards i apply the group beloning to the coming bar.

In the next example i only use the approach note from above. The notes would be F to D, A to G and C to A.

Its clear that the notes are upper approach note in the groups.

This exercise is only applying the notes below the root.

C to D, F to G and G to A. Playing towards the target note which in this case is the root.

This way of practising playing towards a target note is quite simple and easy to get used to.
When soloing in jazz music its common practise that you always play towards a target note to get a clear melodic line.

I go on to the next exercise where i change the approach notes. I dont play only one direction anymore but pick the approach note freely, above or below.

The most important to understand in this lesson to do this a lot, to get this way of playing into your ears and fingers.

in the coming exercise i play the approach note as an eight note so, keeping the same rhythm in the whole exercise but changing which approach note i use, above or below.

You can always add more rhythm which the next exercise will illustrate.
Playing two eight notes approach and melodically choosing the above or the below lying note.

The more notes and rhythm you add before the target note the more complicated it gets of course.

In my next video ill get into more more examples where i use more approach notes.

Let me know if you have questions about this.
I hope that these videos inspires you as much as they inspire me.
Enjoy and have fun playing 🙂

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