Category Archives: Technique

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

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

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

Pentatonic Shifting – The Most Powerful Pentatonic Skill

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/

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

Have You Met Miss Jones Basic chords and Guide Tone Lines

If you want to learn to play Have You Met Miss Jones You might want to start here
Play and learn the chords and arpeggios

Video
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

16th notes, Advanced, Chords, Diatonic approach, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 10, Standards, Technique, Timing

Have You Met Miss Jones Chris Potter Arpeggios

The first of many jazz solo etudes on standards.
Have You Met miss Jones full chorus solo using sped up arpeggios to get the sudden change and movement in the rhythm

Video Link
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, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Standards, Technique, Timing

How To Solo Over Autumn Leaves in 3 Steps (Jazz Beginner)

Learn to master the jazz standard ‘Autumn Leaves’ with this step-by-step guide. From melody and harmony to improvisation, this presentation simplifies complex techniques, offering practical exercises, rhythm tips, and chord tone lines to elevate your jazz solos effortlessly.

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 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/120152734

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/

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, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, SOUND/INTONATION/EMBOUCHURE/ARTICULATION, Standards, Technique

Set Smart Goals in 2025 And Learn Jazz Faster

Set 2025 as the year to master tough keys and sound like jazz greats. Learn efficient practice goal-setting, from breaking down Chris Potter solos to integrating techniques into tunes. Achieve milestones with short-term, actionable steps. Let’s talk goals!

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

  • Set Clear and Actionable Goals
    Break ambitions into manageable, achievable steps.
  • Integrate Techniques into Practice
    Turn ideas into exercises and apply to tunes.
  • Focus on Sound, Technique, and Tunes
    Combine practice areas for holistic growth and musicality.

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 Set Smart Goals in 2025 And Learn Jazz Faster
00:38 Goal Setting Unwritten Rules
02:24 Learn A Technique
03:54 Add it To Your Vocabulary
04:28 Learn Tunes
05:43 Always Play With Great Sound
05:58 Never Set Long Term Goals
06:41 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:
Follow These 6 Steps To Learn Jazz Faster
https://youtu.be/h9shgk4B1Kg
https://www.patreon.com/posts/118313410
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/altered-scale-this-makes-it-sound-amazing/

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, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, SOUND/INTONATION/EMBOUCHURE/ARTICULATION, Standards, Technique

The 8 Most Awesome Jazz Practice Strategies of 2024

Discover the biggest musical lessons of 2024: turn warm-ups into endless musical phrases, master slow and precise practice for true integration, and explore the magic of groupings and posture for tone and creativity. Transform practice into music every day!

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

  • Transform Warm-Ups Into Music: Turn exercises into flowing, musical phrases.
  • Master Precision and Integration: Practice slowly to internalize material and perfect technique.
  • Expand Creativity Through Keys and Rhythms: Embrace all keys and unique rhythmic groupings.

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 2024 Looking Back – The Best Practice Strategies
00:18 What I Learned From Pat Metheny
02:04 Chris Potters Play and Fix Approach
03:10 Strong Fingers Like Michael Brecker
03:52 Go Slow With Joel Frahm
05:06 Joe Henderson For The Best Rhythm 
06:00 Posture and Breathing as Ryan Devlin
06:53 Play All 12 Keys
07:51 I Practiced My Scales The Wrong Way in 2024
08:40  Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/118652663

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