Category Archives: Learning methods/inspiration

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

3 Jazz Exercises That Would’ve Saved Me Years

These three jazz exercises completely transformed my playing. Learn how to connect scales to harmony, use 3rds musically, and build fluency across keys. This will boost your phrasing, flexibility, and confidence—no matter your level. Start saving years today.

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

  • Scales That Actually Sound Like Solos – Stop running scales, start building music.
  • Why 3rds Build Flexibility & Real Phrases – Not robotic—these reshape your lines.
  • Practice In Keys That Match Real Tunes – Learn the smart way, not the hard way.

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 3 Jazz Exercises That Would’ve Saved Me Years
00:42 Scales – But Not Just Up And Down
02:32 Practice Scales Like You Play A Solo
03:30 2nd Exercise – Flexibility and Maneuverability
05:19 No 3 – Fluency
07:04 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/125277468

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, 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, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 10, Standards

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

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

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

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