Category Archives: Technique

You Need To Know Brecker’s Triad Magic

Michael Brecker’s solos are packed with detail, color, and brilliance — but underneath it all lies a triadic foundation. This lesson breaks down his logic using triad pairs, bebop twists, and upper structures you can apply to your own lines.

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

  • Triad Logic in D Minor – Discover how Brecker uses major triads inside Dm
  • Brecker’s Bebop Hack – Add upper structures and outside motion with G7 tricks
  • Melodic Minor and Tritone Dominant toolsTools – Create lots of tension with these outside sounds

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 Michael Brecker’s Triad Magic
01:12 Natural Minor Triads
03:04 Play The Dominant!!!
05:23 Major 7th on Minor
07:12 Pentatonic Scales Or Triads
07:52 Db + Eb Triads
10:03 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/128480711

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

Video links:
Chris Potter & Michael Brecker’s Secret to Playing Inside/Outside
https://youtu.be/-qPP5HjurhY
https://www.patreon.com/posts/126703664
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/chris-potter-michael-breckers-secret-to-playing-inside-outside/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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