Category Archives: Technique

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

Chris Potter & Michael Brecker’s Secret to Playing Inside/Outside

Want to sound like Brecker or Potter? This lesson reveals the secret: two scale systems, one powerful sound. Learn how to shift functions, connect patterns, and master inside/outside phrasing. Full examples and PDF on Patreon to follow along.

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

  • Know Where to Put It – Practice with function, not just notes
  • Pair the Scales – Inside and tritone dominant unlock the modern jazz sound
  • Link the Keys – Use shared patterns to connect inside and outside

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 Their Chromatic Sound
00:44 Simple Pattern + Scale Pairs
02:00 Understand The Function
03:12 Tension and Release
04:14 Move With Flexibility
05:05 Extended Patterns
06:24 Working Out Phrases
07:09 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/126703664

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

Video links:
The Genius of Coltrane’s 4-Note Pattern (1-2-3-5) https://youtu.be/gtRiKKTGYnc
https://www.patreon.com/posts/125864007 https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/the-genius-of-coltranes-4-note-pattern-1-2-3-5/

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, Patreon Tier 5, Standards, Technique

Why Arpeggios Are the Most Powerful Jazz Phrase (Here’s How)

Discover five powerful arpeggio techniques inspired by jazz greats Mark Turner, Sonny Rollins, and Joe Henderson. This lesson shows you how to train, flip, and apply arpeggios musically—through standards, modal motion, and modern wide-interval shapes.

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

  • Master the Basics – Build strong technical arpeggio control and flexibility.
  • Apply to Tunes – Drop arpeggios into standards and real progressions.
  • Stretch the Sound – Use modal motion and wide shapes like the pros.

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 Arpeggios Are the Most Powerful Jazz Phrase (Here’s How)
01:26 Sonny Rollins On Arpeggios
03:33 Dropping Arpeggios Into Real Music
05:01 Joe Henderson’s Modal Approach
06:51 Super Structure Arpeggios With Mark Turner
08:01 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/126413722

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

Video links:
You Can’t Play Jazz If You Cannot Do This! https://youtu.be/iiB2eNhvLBY
https://www.patreon.com/posts/123832036
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/you-cant-play-jazz-if-you-cannot-do-this/

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

The Genius of Coltrane’s 4-Note Pattern (1-2-3-5)

Learn how Coltrane’s genius 1–2–3–5 four-note cell can transform your jazz solos. This lesson breaks down how to reshape, flip, and apply the pattern across keys and chords — inside, outside, and everything in between.

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

  • What Is the Coltrane Cell? – Understand the power of 1–2–3–5.
  • Flip It. Twist It. Own It – Learn to reshape the pattern creatively.
  • Sound Like Coltrane, Sound Like You – Apply the pattern in your own voice.

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 Genius Of Coltrane 1235 Pattern
00:58 Defining the 1235 pattern
02:22 The Coltrane Cell In II-V-I Licks
03:58 Add More Possibilities
05:56 How To Play It Melodically
07:00 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/125864007

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

Video links:
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, 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, 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, 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, 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

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

Chris Potter Explains Jazz Practice in 2 Minutes

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

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

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

Best Method for Real Jazz Vocabulary – Unlocks Unlimited Phrases

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.

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 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/

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