Category Archives: Technique

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

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/

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

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

Solo Like A Pro – Only 2 Rules

1 November, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

You need to practice everything in all ways, but there are always ways to do it smarter and faster.
These two PRO tips from Joel Frahm and Chris Potter are solid facts
Sound and Target Notes Practice are essential.

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

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
-simple short target note practice lines moving towards advanced lines with dominant alterations
+ 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 Everything is target notes and sounds
00:49 Joel Frahm Great Sound
02:18 Play Great Phrasing
03:07 Full Phrase Target Notes
04:12 Practice Target Note Feel
05:07 Chose The Road To The Target
06:13 Advanced Target Note Practice
07:16 Expand The Progression
08:24 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/115138487

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, Beginner, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Scales, Technique, Tier 5, Timing

This is what Pro Rhythm sounds like!

25 October, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

Playing jazz with great timing and rhythm is a must.
I’m using the method of the pros and is digging into how they learn and play off beats, syncopation and rhythmic displacement to get fluent rhythm and timing.

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

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
-Scale and chord training in different rhythmic patterns
-Play the full form blues etudes using off beat, syncopation and rhythmic displacement
+ 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 Play Flawless Rhythm Over The barline
00:57 Off Beat Rhythm
02:30 Syncopation
04:08 Rhythmic Displacement
05:18 Groupings of 3 and 6
07:20 Don’t Play Copy Paste Rhythm
07:47 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/114672456

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

Video links:
How To Develop Your Rhythm Like Chris Potter https://youtu.be/odBQztXb6cU
https://www.patreon.com/posts/105749219
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/how-to-develop-your-rhythm-like-chris-potter/

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, Scales, Technique, Tier 5, 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, Standards, Technique, Tier 5

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, Scales, Technique, Tier 5, 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, Scales, Standards, Technique, Tier 5

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

Beginner, Chord note solos, Chords, Diatonic approach, II-V-I, Intermediate, Music theory, Scales, Standards, Technique, Tier 5

II-V-I The Most Important Chord Progression In Jazz

30 August, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

Practicing the II-V-I progression is the best practice you can do.
Learn the basic chords, add scales, learn the sound and get playing.

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

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
-scales and arpeggio exercises leading to strong II-V-I lines
-II V I licks build on scales and arpeggios
+ 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 II V I – What You Must Practice For Soloing
00:25 II V I Explained
01:45 Hear What You Play
02:49 Next Step – Arpeggios
03:39 II V I Scales
05:00 Don’t Sound Like An Exercise
05:30 The Secret Step – But very important (12 keys)
07:14 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/111038022

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

Video links:
Every Jazz Beginner Needs These 4 Scale Exercises
https://youtu.be/D1B_jLVHlQw
https://www.patreon.com/posts/96348200
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/every-jazz-beginner-needs-these-4-scale-exercises/

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, Diatonic approach, II-V-I, Intermediate, Standards, Technique, Tier 5

Chris Potter – Pat Metheny: How to Play What You Hear in Your Head

23 August, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

Practicing modes is just not the most musical or efficient way to learn jazz improvisation.
Modes get in the way of learning the actual structure and real sound of the songs you are playing.
Practice this instead

LINK TO VIDEO

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

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:

-scale exercises taking you through the most important scale forms
-licks integrating the scale forms adding the sound into 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 II V I – What You Must Practice For Soloing
00:25 II V I Explained
01:45 Hear What You Play
02:49 Next Step – Arpeggios
03:39 II V I Scales
05:00 Don’t Sound Like An Exercise
05:30 The Secret Step – But very important (12 keys)
07:14 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/109166787

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

Video links:

Every Jazz Beginner Needs These 4 Scale Exercises
https://youtu.be/D1B_jLVHlQw
https://www.patreon.com/posts/96348200
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/every-jazz-beginner-needs-these-4-scale-exercises/

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

Saxophone-inspiration-motivation