Category Archives: Diatonic approach

Diatonic approach, Intermediate, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, Technique, Triads

This Simple Triad System Skyrockets Your Solos

Work with me on Patreon
Download the PDF and get personal guidance.
https://www.patreon.com/posts/152925180

Great jazz players often build their lines from simple triads. By expanding triads into four-note structures, adding inversions, chromatic approach notes, and stacking shapes, you create clear, powerful, and flexible jazz lines that fit chords and move easily through scales and keys.

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DOWNLOAD PDF
+ get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

In this tutorial
00:00 Pro Triad System
01:08 Triads In YOUR solos
02:54 Triad Inversions – Big Jumps
04:23 Triad 4-NOTE Structures
05:24 Chromatic Approach To Triads
06:45 Do you like my videos – Get More Inspired on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/152925180

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

Video links:
They Explain Jazz Practice in 2 minutes https://youtu.be/apRcZ9CqPHo
https://www.patreon.com/posts/143524876
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/the-most-important-exercise-for-learning-jazz/

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, Intermediate, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, Standards

The ONLY Scale You Need For Jazz (Keep It Simple)

Work with me on Patreon
Download the PDF and get personal guidance.
https://www.patreon.com/posts/152362510

Jazz doesn’t have to be complicated. You Only Need One Scale. Almost all beautiful jazz lines come straight from major scales. Learn simple Major scale structures, connect them to chords, move them through different keys, and turn them into flexible, melodic jazz licks you can actually use when improvising.

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DOWNLOAD PDF
+ get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

In this tutorial
00:00 ONLY One Scale
00:55 What Goes Where?
02:48 Learn More Keys
03:44 More Options – One More Exercise
05:48 Maybe The Most Important Structure
06:56 Do you like my videos – Get More Inspired on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/152362510

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

Video links:
They Explain Jazz Practice in 2 minutes https://youtu.be/apRcZ9CqPHo
https://www.patreon.com/posts/143524876
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/the-most-important-exercise-for-learning-jazz/

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

Video links:
The Most Important Exercise For Learning Jazz
https://youtu.be/apRcZ9CqPHo
https://www.patreon.com/posts/143524876
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/the-most-important-exercise-for-learning-jazz/

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

Chords, Diatonic approach, Intermediate, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, Standards

THIS simple System Makes Your Solos Flow

Work with me on Patreon
Download the PDF and get personal guidance.
https://www.patreon.com/posts/151181528

Inspired by the beautiful phrasing of Stan Getz and Coltrane, this lesson shows how to connect jazz lines using simple target notes, chord-tone and scale approaches. Learn to make your solos flow naturally on Blue Bossa and finally sound truly musical.

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF
+ get access to 3000+ pages of learning material
In this tutorial
00:00 Beautiful Solos Are Great Solos
01:24 Connecting The Changes
03:57 Great Enclosure Exercises
04:54 Arpeggios As Enclosures
07:10 Train The Connections
08:06 Do you like my videos – Get More Inspired on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/151181528

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

Video links:
The Real Secret To Learning By Ear
https://youtu.be/FSCXDSxDGjI
https://www.patreon.com/posts/137582190
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/the-real-secret-to-learning-by-ear/

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

Video links:
The Most Important Exercise For Learning Jazz
https://youtu.be/apRcZ9CqPHo
https://www.patreon.com/posts/143524876
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/the-most-important-exercise-for-learning-jazz/

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, Intermediate, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, Standards, Technique

You’ve Been Practicing Jazz the Wrong Way

Most jazz players start with theory and scales — but that’s backwards. This lesson flips the script and shows you how to build real music by starting with melody. Learn how to connect chords and create flowing lines from day one.


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

  • Flip Your Jazz Mindset – Why melody should come first
  • Root → Chord → Guide Tone – Build melodic solos step by step
  • Sound Over Theory – Simple tricks to make your lines sing

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 You’ve Been Practicing Jazz the Wrong Way
01;31 You Play What You Practice
02:25 Melody First
03:50 Connect The Chords
05:24 Beautiful Connecting Melodies
05:37 Enclosures
07-11 Add It all Together for Great Solos
07:27 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/127928940

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, Chord note solos, Diatonic approach, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 10, Standards

Jazz Etude Collection – The Rhythm of Blue Bossa

It seems so basic to be able to play a solo with the focus on rhythm.
But the results are amazing and opens so many new angles into soloing.
The 4 chorus Etude on Blues bossa is a must for all who wants to read music and wants to learn the most important skill in soloing – use rhythm.

✅ Download pdf
https://www.patreon.com/posts/127282612

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, Chords, Coltrane, Diatonic approach, II-V-I, Intermediate, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, Standards, Technique

Why I Practice Major Scales Every Day

Discover how the C major scale holds everything you need to build incredible jazz lines. From simple scale shapes to arpeggios, enclosures, and Coltrane patterns—this lesson transforms basics into brilliance. Learn how to turn exercises into real soloing vocabulary.

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

  • Start with the Basics – Scale, 3rds, arpeggios — but used with purpose
  • Go Deeper with Inversions – Flip patterns, build upper structures, reshape target notes
  • Build Real Lines – Drop these patterns into tunes and create real 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 Do You Really Know C major?
00:35 C-Major Basics
01:27 Transform Technique into Music
03:22 Inversions and Upper Structures
04:58 Combine Tunes And Technique
05:37 Enclosures
06:36 Coltranes 1235 patterns
07:27 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/127416793

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 – 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, 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

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

Jazz Etude Collection – Chord Tone Solo – Days Of Wine And Roses

Can you play a pure chord-tone solo over the jazz tunes you know?

Watch Video and download PDF here

Mastering chord tones is one of the most powerful tools in jazz improvisation. It strengthens your ability to outline harmony and create meaningful solos.

These chord-tone solo etudes for Days of Wine and Roses will help you internalize the changes and refine your melodic approach.

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