Category Archives: II-V-I

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

Chris Potter Explains Jazz Practice in 2 Minutes

20 February, 2025 Søren Ballegaard

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

Chords, Coltrane, II-V-I, Intermediate, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, Technique, Timing

Best Method for Real Jazz Vocabulary – Unlocks Unlimited Phrases

6 February, 2025 Søren Ballegaard

This lesson explores how Hank Mobley and Charlie Parker transform the same phrases into fresh, exciting lines. Learn arpeggios, target notes, and time shifts to unlock infinite variations. Full lesson manual available on Patreon!

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

Same Lines, Different Feel – Hank Mobley repeats phrases but sounds fresh.
Transforming Phrases Like Parker – Change key, rhythm, and placement.
Creative Tools for Improvisation – Use arpeggios, target notes, and time shifts.

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/119667971

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/

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, Alterations, Coltrane, II-V-I, Intermediate, Patreon Tier 5, Pentatonic scales, Standards, Technique

Pentatonic Shifting – The Most Powerful Pentatonic Skill

23 January, 2025 Søren Ballegaard

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/

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, Alterations, Chords, Diatonic approach, II-V-I, Intermediate, Patreon Tier 5, Technique, Timing

How To Resolve Any Jazz Dominant Line Like a Pro – Instantly!

6 December, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

Struggling with dominants? In this video, I’ll show you how to fix your dominants forever with pro-level techniques. Unlock flexibility, resolve to any tone, and transform your playing. Master dominants like never before—quick, simple, and effective. Let’s dive in today!

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

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
– Working from short to long resolving dominant lines, moving from diatonic to altered playing.
+ 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 Resolve Any Jazz Dominant
00:38 Flexible Resolve
02:50 Chromatic Approach Notes
04:12 Substitute Chords
05:10 Resolving Outside Sounds
06:00 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/117419746

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

Video links:
The Jazz Lick Method That Is 100x Better Than Yours https://youtu.be/2SDinWDU81g
https://www.patreon.com/posts/113341734
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/the-jazz-lick-method-that-is-100x-better-than-yours/

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/

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

16th notes, Advanced, Beginner, II-V-I, Intermediate, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, Technique, Timing

Why Every Michael Brecker Solo Sounds Epic

15 November, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

Discover The Power Of Real Timing! Michael Brecker’s practice techniques reveal that true rhythm lies in your fingers. By focusing on finger coordination, you can strengthen timing, refine phrasing, and gain total control over every phrase you play. Try it: explore Brecker’s method for rhythmic precision, and elevate your playing to a whole new level.

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

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
– Technical exercises added into licks in lines – all to be played with and without articulation and only using your fingers
+ 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 Discover The Power Of Real Timing
00:53 Your Fingers Are The Problem
02:11 Listen To The Timing Of Your Fingers
03:03 Strong Fingers
04:46 Big Jumps
06:47 Multiple Key Changes
07:00 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/116014273

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

Video links:
The Jazz Lick Method That Is 100x Better Than Yours
https://youtu.be/2SDinWDU81g
https://www.patreon.com/posts/113341734
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/the-jazz-lick-method-that-is-100x-better-than-yours/

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/

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, Alterations, Chords, II-V-I, Intermediate, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, Technique, Timing

Altered Scale – This Makes It Sound AMAZING

8 November, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

This video offers in-depth guidance on mastering the altered scale in jazz. It covers practical techniques for understanding and applying the scale, explores melodic minor-based substitutions, and includes scale and arpeggio exercises. Access to additional materials is available on Patreon.

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

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
– Altered scale licks and tons of altered scale exercises
+ 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 Altered Scale – How To Make It Sound Amazing
01:51 Altered Scale VS Tritone Sub
02:40 Altered Scale Sounds
04:00 Altered Scale Technique
05:56 Hidden Chords in The Altered Scale
07:54 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/115589804

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

Video links:
How To Play Outside Like Brecker And Coltrane https://youtu.be/XbCBNNQ0K8s
https://www.patreon.com/posts/107963342
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/how-to-play-outside-like-brecker-and-coltrane/

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/

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, II-V-I, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, Technique, Timing

3 Things That Will Save You Years Of Practice

18 October, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

3 practice methods I wish I knew when I started playing music – its not all technical exercises, learn to hear the music you play and work on playing towards target notes. Its simple but you need to do it!

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

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
-Technical exercises added into phrases, rhythmical lines for sing and play question/answer phrases, working out target note practice
+ 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 3 Things That Will Save You Years Of Practice
00:31 Do Not get Stuck In Technical Exercises
01:41 Add Technique Into Musical Lines
02:57 Hear The Lines You Play
04:14 This Exercises Teach You To Play What You Hear
05:42 Play Towards Target Notes
06:41 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/114228662

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/

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, II-V-I, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Standards, Technique

Chris Potter – This Exercise Will Teach You

11 October, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

Chris Potter has an unique way of moving around in the jazz language.
I believe it’s because of his one EPIC method of being able to play everything he hears. Learn his ear to Instrument approach

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

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
-Sing rhythm and phrasing – Play The Tones in the Rhythm Exercise
-One bar to 4 bar phrases
+ 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 Become The Most Fluent Player
01:06 Phrasing and Rhythm Is The Most Important
02:13 Chris Potters Method – Start With Rhythm
03:16 Phrasing
04:26 Phrases Over the Bar Line
05:18 Hearing The Progression
06:43 Add The Material Into The Tunes You Play
08:22 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/113788891

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

Video links:
The ONLY effective way to learn Jazz https://youtu.be/6qbV8Qts1Cc
https://www.patreon.com/posts/112417517
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/the-only-effective-way-to-learn-jazz/

https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/how-to-play-outside-like-brecker-and-coltrane/
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/

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, Alterations, Chords, II-V-I, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, Technique, Triads

The Jazz Lick Method That Is 100x Better Than Yours

4 October, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

Michael Brecker had some totally unique methods to become as good as he was.
By the help of the Michael Brecker Practice book I analyze his way of transforming a lick into what he developed to be his unique playing style

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

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
-training small licks and exercises in chord progressions
-Adding small licks and exercised material into longer phrases
+ 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 Steal A Lick And Distort The Hell Out Of It
01:12 From Stolen Lick To Exercise
02:33 Exercise To Own Vocabulary
03:24 How To Practice Exercises and Licks
04:27 The 12 Keys System
05:40 Add the 12 Keys To All Progressions
06:40 Interchanging Chord Progressions
08:00 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/113341734

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

Video links:
How To Play Outside Like Brecker And Coltrane https://youtu.be/XbCBNNQ0K8s
https://www.patreon.com/posts/107963342

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/

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, Scales, Standards, Technique

10 Scale Exercises That You Need For Jazz

27 September, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

Scale practice is really important because scales often express melody.
Scales make beautiful jazz lines and you need them ready in your fingers.
Practice scales in these 10 different forms.

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

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
-Scale Exercises 7th chords, 3rds, 4 note cells, coltrane patterns
-Scale licks fitted to tune progressions
+ 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 Scales Are Melody
01:01 Scales to The 7th
03:04 Scale In 3rds
04:35 4 Note Cells scale Blocks
05:40 Coltrane Patterns
07:03 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/112868083

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

Video links:
The Most Important Scale In Jazz
https://youtu.be/DQSCgGl8Psc
https://www.patreon.com/posts/89302073
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/the-most-important-scale-in-jazz/

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/

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 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

Saxophone-inspiration-motivation