How I Use Melodies to Practice Everything Else...

#bettersax #saxophone #saxophonelessons
Jay Metcalf shares a lesson on how to use melodies as a vehicle for practicing everything on the saxphone.
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[@aileenstewart394]

Hearing the words “don’t get the sheet music” is literally music to my ears 🙌🏻 Only had my sax for 1 week, I have challenged myself to be able to play to some sort of recognisable ability (😂) by the time I am 50, so 13 months 💪🏻 Nobody knows I’m doing it, or even that I have a sax, its a secret but something I’ve wanted to learn for years (I used to play recorder and treble in school to a high level and I did that by ear, but nothing since). Cross your fingers for me 🙈

[@bettersax]

You can do it!

[@SaxUpYourLife]

Hi Aileen, just came across your comment here - what a crazy coincidence - I did exactly the same thing, precisely a year ago today! I got a soprano saxophone, and decided that in twelve months I wanted to be able to play simple songs, while being in time and in tune! 😲 That was a tall order, as you probably also realized? 😬 I practised on average about 30 minutes per day, and now I am able to play several songs - in tune (most of the time 😄) I am so curious to hear how you did, what you did and which sax and songs you play? 😃

[@williamtaylor4545]

I'm 69 and just bought my 1st sax, a tenor, 3 weeks ago. I'm learning Sophisticated Lady by Billie Holiday note by note just like you described. Glad to know I'm on the right track. Lester Young's luscious fills between Billie's verses are what made me want to finally pick this beautiful instrument up and learn it. PS: Wife said it is starting to sound good PLUS the cats aren't running for cover anymore.

[@Iamthatmelody]

This guy knows what he is doing and teaching. He helped me a lot. What an incredible change to have a teacher like this. 2019 Via internet

[@bettersax]

Thanks

[@DirtyRed]

You just literally gave so much free game with this method of practice. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@hazlitt1]

So refreshing to see a man who knows what he is talking about, and being able to communicate it simply and meaningfully. Great job.

[@bettersax]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@adamdennis2936]

Dude, you are the best sax coach on the internet. This is your best lesson. Thank you

[@bettersax]

Hey thanks Adam. Very kind of you.

[@blanebostock]

What is This Thing Called Love for weeks. Everytime I sit down to play it, I have a new way of feeling and hearing it. Some tunes just open themselves up to your mood that day and speak for you.

[@kalisodia11]

I'm an amateur and your videos inspire me every time to get up and go play my sax in a better more focused way!Thank you for that

[@Atlessa]

I started with your 'play by ear' course, and now I'm working on "Cruel Angel's Thesis". I've had this Tenor for a WEEK and I'm already playing one of my favourite melodies on it. ... probably helps that I've played guitar and drums for 15+ years, but still. First woodwind. A WEEK! Thank you so much Jay.

[@paulisemonger280]

I always end up smiling after watching your videos. Things that I thought were beyond me are attainable thanks to your simple encouraging style. Thank you.

[@bettersax]

great to hear this.

[@thomaskahan3922]

Thanks for all those obvious yet precious advice. I'll start with "Isn't she lovely"...

[@angus7278]

The best advice is always the most straightforward! Thanks!

[@bettersax]

Thanks Angus!

[@mauboy1983]

This is how I practice as well. I don't like the conventional boring way. This is way more fun

[@Arthur5000]

Agreed you'll have a lot more fun too

[@PonchMuniz]

Jay, good stuff! Thanks again!

[@jenniferfurdzik3070]

I love this video and the advice you gave! Thank you so much, this is an awesome way to practice that I'm super excited to start using.

[@fabiopasqualini4899]

thanks for your useful and indispensable advice on which few teachers focus especially on those that are needed to have a nice sax sound.

[@TheKevoko]

Good information Jay, keeps me interested in improving, I've been playing five years...and sometimes get stuck in a same old boring practice, so it's good to listen to your great tuition, thanks, right gonna get my alto out, do half an hour.

[@tomsoro1766]

That was great Jay, thank you very much that's what I been trying to do

[@ronrealtor888]

What a super lesson Jay. Love your easy style of explaining things and the lesson tips are excellent. Will be trying to hit 50!

[@rickyricardo7242]

I'll be working on this today. I think it's already in my repertoire; although, I've played it very basic. I'm going to be working on the runs that Jay played, in hopes of getting my arthritic fingers moving a bit (quite a bit) faster! These are the best sax lessons on the internet!

[@SextetoAngellus]

great lesson! I love your videos! congratulations!

[@bobwright7415]

Awesome advise and lesson. Thank you!!!!

[@KadrianThomas]

Thanks Jay, I only discovered this method of learning the music phrase by phrase and looping about six months ago, learning melodies is so much easier now. Thanks man, great video as always.

[@Media-courses]

Your videos are working well to encourage my sax practice, for some reason I am obsessed with getting a good sound and want to play scales in readiness for melodies. I don’t feel relaxed enough to play melodies and find the scale idea as step 1, but can’t wait to begin what you are saying. Cheers Jay, all good info.

[@DansYellMusicArts]

I can practice playing my sax and enjoy my playing as well, thank you so much for building my confidence from scratch, you're a great teacher, more power to you, Jay!

[@bettersax]

Thanks Danilo!

[@jond4532]

Master teacher . Master mind. Love your lessons. Thank you .

[@bettersax]

Thank you Jon.

[@ggauche3465]

I've learned a lot from Jay since I bought his Introductory blues course a few years ago. Of course, I wanted to jump ahead and learn my Altered and Diminished scales and triad pairs and such! But here I am back learning Sunny and trying to improve my tone and rhythmic feel and develop my ear! These are way more important! Yep, a truly great teacher! Thanks Jay.

[@rollysj384]

Great! I think i have found the practice methods that will bring my playing to the next level! Could be performing in our office by December!

[@sunildutt3626]

Sir you are great, you clear my confusion, thank

[@mboia]

Great video! Thanks, Jay!

[@fluteluc1]

Hey man, very much digging your online lessons. It helps clarify lots and helps me when I teach. Mucho Karma for you.

[@bettersax]

Thanks Luc!

[@fanievanniekerk8825]

Very helpful and practical - makes a lot of sense!!

[@lylecrawford2794]

This is yet another helpful video Jay, and you have a nice singing voice too.

[@bettersax]

Lyle thanks for the compliment.

[@Craig2760]

Fantastic lesson.

[@RenzorTheRed]

This is a really good idea. I was thinking something similar recently when I picked up the saxophone again. I trained for 10 years in my youth and then didn't touch it for like 20 years. Bought a saxophone and started familiarizing myself with that again, and then I started trying to get my ear back by playing along with random karaoke videos on KZbin. Trying to learn melodies

[@CBrown519]

Another great video packed with tips and tricks to add to my arsenal, Jay! I recently attempted my first (in a long, long time) saxophone solos in front of a live audience as a member of a local seven-piece blues/soul/funk cover band, No Right Turn. Using what I'd learned using your courses, and while I was more nervous than I'd been in quite some time and I know I still have work to do, it wasn't half bad, I think. My band mates seemed to like it. Thanks, Jay!

[@bettersax]

Richard, that is great to hear. Important first step. The nerves diminish with practice, preparation and experience. So keep working and get up there for as many performances as you can get under your belt. This is the most valuable experience.

[@jasminesmith7577]

Love your lessons so much! Thanks!

[@leroyhuman4613]

Been playing the Sax two months now...and you almost said word for word what I was thinking to do next. Especially the part about a performance situation. In real time there's no time for getting all the note guides out...you just have to have fun and play away. Thanx so much Jay.

[@bettersax]

Leroy, great to hear. Learning songs is key to making noticeable improvement.

[@cornelsampson8990]

Your take on saxophone learning really makes 'logical' sense - this lesson particularly struck a 'Major Chord' with me. Thanks Jay

[@georgehiggins1320]

Hmmm I like Bb7#5#9#11 to be honest...

[@mboia]

Great lesson! Thank you.

[@StoneysWorkshop]

some great tips. I have done this before , I will add some of your techniques to aid in memorization (I normally end up jotting down a phrase and build the piece from that)

[@thecomediangee]

This is so great. Having encouragement and guidance only a click away.

[@briancollins2693]

A little late to the party, but a few months ago I got together with a couple of guys who are big into playing rock and roll, country, and blues, and thought a horn would sound pretty neat! Almost none of the songs have a saxophone part. Most of what I've been doing is learning melodies of these songs and playing them, all by ear armed only with the key were playing the song in. I haven't been practicing it quite as regimented as this but I will be now as this would certainly help to lock in the melodies I've already figured out. Practicing this has only made me a better player and over the months I've seen a huge improvement in my ear an my ability to hear something and after noodling for a few minutes, play the melody back at our guitarist. It's challenging, but really fun and rewarding to do! Thanks for the great Insight Jay, and look forward to more video's! Take care!

[@djcapt.wendell2491]

Dear Sir, I am a Melodica player. I watched your blues improv video and now this one. I had been partly doing everything that you mentioned but felt as though something was missing. After seriously applying your approach and methods I saw an almost immediate improvement. It's best to know what you're working on rather than working on what you don't know. Thank you for these gifts of knowledge on the journey.

[@MexSax]

Excellent tips ! Thanks for sharing. Your sound is great 🎷👏🎷👏

[@bettersax]

Thanks a lot!

[@ARSENFEM]

Thought I was doing it wrong before...but now I can believe more in my progress. Thanks Jay

[@bettersax]

Good to hear, thanks.

[@judimcavoy722]

Really sound teaching.........Thankyou!

[@merlesparkman5841]

Thanks Jay for these lessons. Your tips have greatly improved my sound and technique. I am working on Sunny, also Harlem Nocturne on both my alto and my new Jean-Paul tenor which I absolutely love.

[@odalisaroberts1438]

This is a solid technique to get notes and rythms hard-wired into your brain. Memorization is liberating!

[@larissapfitzner3646]

Heaps cool strategy Jay! Thanks again for shring your hard work 🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@bettersax]

Thanks Larissa!

[@pierrettepolvent1262]

New challenge but so exciting ... Long Time I dreamed to play this song ...i ‘ try it today Thank you to work so hard

[@bettersax]

Thank you Pierrette!

[@gerrysmith9794]

Another very useful technique Jay, thank you.👍

[@bettersax]

Thanks Gerald, glad it helps.

[@tumwinerwekanika8375]

You have made my day

[@gipstetz6720]

Thanks Jay. Great vid. Really enjoy your posts.

[@bettersax]

Thanks a lot!

[@aliciaetcheverry5269]

Gipstetz waves boss a nova Waves boss’s nova

[@janymikeptz1156]

Thanks for another great and helpful video Jay, please keep them coming. Also, would be helpful to hear your version of the complete melody for this exercise too.

[@bettersax]

Hey, I put a recording of me playing the entire melody in the members area on BetterSax, so if you're a member you an find it there.

[@gregoikonomakou136]

You are a great teacher!!!😊 Thanks a lot!

[@peterlorenz9766]

Good morning Mister MAESTRO ♥🎷♥Jai Metcalf. Thanks a lot for all your very essential tutorials. I am a beginner with a TENOR SAXOPHONE having a teacher, using a book but to me your advices and your suggestions are so vital, so important. Using our ears, closing our eyes, feeling the music, finding the tones/notes through FEELING and then slowly developing everything. (like scales, chords, progressions, I mean the whole lot). THAT´S THE WAY DOING IT. THE KEY TO SUCCESS. Cheers. Wish you the BEST. SIMPLY THE VERY BEST. ♥OM AH HUM VAIJRA GURU PADME SIDDHI HUM♥

[@robalexwar]

Just to add, when I try to learn a piece I often use some software called Amazing Slow Downer. I've had it for years and it hasn't been updated much but it is very useful as you can change both speed and pitch :)

[@peterankin985]

Thanx for taking the time out to answer jay 🎶

[@bettersax]

Any time...

[@lynneallan744]

Such good advice and direction for progress. I've already chose my first 5 songs to learn in this way. Sunny [ Stanley Turrentine ], Mean To Me [ Houston Person], Rockin' Chair [ Zoot Sims], I'm Glad There Is You [ Chet Baker] and Albatross [Leo Green]. This'll keep be busy through June. Thank you for an inspiring way forward.

[@MindControlFilms]

I decided to transcribe Stanley Turrentine's solo on his version of Sunny last week, so this video gave me the shivers.

[@bobgreen1236]

Jay, you and Bob Reynolds are my "go to" KZbin sax guys......thanks for all you assistance!

[@georgehiggins1320]

Check out Dave Pollack too! I've only seen a couple of his videos but he seems like a quality player and educator

[@bobgreen1236]

@@georgehiggins1320 I love Dave as well....he gets bonus points because in addition to being a great player he's also funny as hell....

[@georgehiggins1320]

@@bobgreen1236 Haha I play piano but his advice on improvisation seems spot on. Saxologic is another one of my favorites in terms of teaching how to practice and his humor XD

[@lippie71]

thank you thank you!

[@stevedouglas2156]

Another great lesson (am following your pentatonic and blues courses), this gets straight to the point and the first time I have looped sections of songs together and listened using headphones - it makes a real difference. This key made me also think if Feeling Good, Nina Simone, I think I will explore that song after this. Also a great incentive to learn other keys by using a specific and classic track.. Thanks again Jay..

[@bettersax]

Thanks Steve!

[@tonduyser5007]

Thanks Jay, helpfull, informative and

[@tonduyser5007]

Clear

[@jeromeking6001]

This was particularly helpful man. Very much appreciate d

[@bettersax]

Glad to hear it!

[@paulhazel]

Great advice.

[@TwainsBlues]

Excellent advice

[@makeudrippdropp]

After watching this video I had to subscribe. I'm so anxious to get back into playing now.

[@lionsskyblue442]

good advice, thanks

[@keefieT]

Great way to approach playing the Saxophone. I like Boney M's disco version of Sunny

[@user-bo7fn1lb9s]

Hello Mat nice to see again!

[@Susanne.P]

Great video. I will work on Ellington's Pie Eye's Blues

[@rreganjjohnn]

Hi Jay as an ex-band vocalist I have a list of songs that I have performed over the years in my head. jazz standards blues and pop. since taking up the alto sax. I have followed your videos on KZbin for the last 3 years. You mention picking a melody to practice and learn that song every day for a week to 10 days and that if successful I will have at least 40 to 50 songs in my repertoire. That works out at around two and a half to three hours of stage time. I followed your advice and am so pleased to say I have around 40 melodies down. So these are all in the various key that i sing in. So now I am putting aside another year to practice the same songs in different keys. I love your advice and teaching methodology. And can only say thank you Jay You rock buddy

[@bettersax]

That’s great to hear. You did all the work though so give yourself credit. Not easy to learn that many melodies. Pays big dividends though.

[@victorrusin7602]

This is going to be quite the challenge.

[@joshcharlat850]

Thank you. I know I have a lot of work to do in various areas (every musician does from pro to amateur), but I am happy to be on the right track. I ambitiously chose Benny Golson's ALONG CAME BETTY. It has taken me SO long to get that down. And honestly it isn't assimilated the way I want it to be,yet. It became an advanced exercise for me. I figured some good is going to come out of this obsession. I love the melody and it's timing on the Art Blakey MOANIN' album. So after countless hours I can turn up the stereo and play along with the original. But the fingering and the phrasing were very challenging for me. I'll be following you, and I'll be urging our trumpet player to also follow you. He's almost completely lost his sight, and has become the model of our little group for memorizing melodies. Just thought I'd share and extend my compliments.

[@bettersax]

Josh, that's a tough tune. touch chord changes as well. Great melody though. Make sure to balance that out with some simple tunes as well. thanks for the comment...

[@guydelorme417]

Hello Jay, You are so right, it's not bad when I practice Sunny, but I am not ready yet to attack Donna Lee or Spain. As for the repertoire, I have over 2000 songs. For now I chose what I think I can play. Add to this over 7000 sheet music from fake books in my PC. I have a lot of work ahead for me. My problem to learn complete songs is half sold with the lesson above. The next step is to learn the key to improvise over chord. I will follow you there in another lesson. Great work always.

[@JSWilliamssr]

I have played eight different instruments over my lifetime -- currently playing alto sax. This is essentially the way I have learned to play all of them. It is the fastest way to gain proficiency. I did pick up a couple of good tips from you on this video, though. I am currently working on Imagine and Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone. Great video!

[@bettersax]

Thanks!

[@jeremyho4284]

DAMNNNNN Jay's singing is the jam

[@cousinbilly1259]

you're making sense of things I knew, that I didn't know that I knew ....Does that make sense? I learned by the radio back in the sixties and seventies, but due to circumstance, quit playing for years........Comin' Home now, Thanks Bro

[@ebonyevans25]

Great! I play a lot of Gospel. I never thought of it this way but I guess I've been doing this all along. Now I'll be more conscious of what I'm actually doing.

[@bettersax]

Ebony, yes treat the melody as though it were an exercise to be practiced over and over and you'll hear a big difference when you perform them.

[@robbm.cupich2120]

Great class! I like to play by reading but my favorite is by ear, improving each time I Can an learning by ear every song to avoid mistakes in my Alto, Tenor and even in my Baritone sax

[@robbm.cupich2120]

I’m learning the song In a sentimental mood right by now, great song

[@bettersax]

The melody of that one starts with the pentatonic scale!

[@vincentgaglio5106]

Great information, a lot of work for me. Wow

[@bettersax]

Thanks Vincent. I aim to keep you busy.

[@danderibas2640]

I WILL DO THAT THANKS DAN

[@SaberMuslim]

Hey Jay! Definitely going to apply this. Going to add "Sunny" to my list with Pat Matheny Group's "Every Summer Night;" Coltrane's "Wise One" and Mingus' "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat." 🎷💪

[@PonchMuniz]

Good advice!

[@bettersax]

Thanks!

[@adrianemaden477]

Please make video about improvising over more complex chord changes. Like jazz chord changes. Love your videos!!

[@bettersax]

Ok I will.

[@user-fc5uc1rj7r]

Hi Jay, I chose SONG FOR SOPHY, this song leaves space for tone development and has some interesing changes.I try to define beginning ,middle and ending of each tone, I believe this helps me to pracise tone development, also to find a sort of dramaturgy of the sung story, meaning to emphasize certain parts, "playing towards a note", if you will. So, thanks so much again for your coaching, I feel quite busy for th next coming days...

[@TheMrAshley2010]

I gave my 'thumbs up', but I wish there as an 'I agree!!' button. I've been playing trombone and trumpet for decades this way. I love trying to emulate Ella or Nat King Cole's nuances on my horn. And watch out when you pick something by a guitar player. They sometimes play in keys that really fry my brain.

[@bettersax]

Thanks Scott. Much appreciated.

[@jevonchandler9856]

Damn Jay pipes!!!

[@noahhatakeyama1215]

Thx! This is very helpful! I’m working on You’re the one by Braxton Cook

[@bettersax]

Thanks Noah. He's got a great sound.

[@keldrean]

So cool! I heard this George Harrison song the other day in my head as saxophone. I know where to start!

[@0119786]

Hi Jay. Great lesson/video. I’m working on Footprints by Wayne Shorter this week.

[@camelCased]

Thanks for the video. I'm currently learning a clarinet (actually Nuvo Clarineo) as a hobby. I wanted a sax, but currently that's too loud for my apartment and also too expensive. I don't know notes at all but I have good musical hearing and memory, at least for pop-rock and slightly jazzy but not exactly jazz music. I enjoy whistling melodies and complex riffs and I improvise a lot both with rhythm and melody, and people say I'm good at it even if I don't know much about chords and scales. So, I hope that my whistling skills and musical memory will help me to practice the clarinet, at least to the level at which I can play and improvise the same way I do when whistling. And maybe - just maybe - one day I'll have an apartment where I can safely play a saxophone.

[@bettersax]

I went a very long time with no place to practice at home. It's a very important thing to consider when you move into a new place. Good luck.

[@princesalvador7971]

Thank you very muchh! Ive just started playing sax ! 😎👌

[@bettersax]

You're welcome Prince. thanks for your comment.

[@mikenoellis1949]

Thank u sir...

[@bettersax]

You're welcome sir.

[@andrewworthy4931]

Thanks for the tips, Jay. I'm currently working on Gerry Mulligan's version of Billy Taylor's 'Capricious'.

[@deslippestv]

I have 4 songs that use for practice 1-Bad orchestra (Ennio Morricone) which is for practicing syncopated rhythm. 2+3-Amazing Grace (bagpipe style) and part of The Godfather (not speak softly love but the movie theme song) for the long tones and 4-La Boheme (Charles Aznavour) for the full range of the instrument. I play others but i always make sure these 4 are in every practice session.

[@robstevens9590]

Good advice. I am starting to work on learning a medley of 3 pop songs, 1 of which is "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake. The melody is not difficult and the patterns are pretty easy, but I have viewed about a dozen sax covers of this song and although they all played the right notes, none of them had the "pop" or pizazz of the vocal, and without that umph, it is actually a boring song. The embellishments and phrasing nuances, plus the feeling, make such a big difference. I won't know whether my rendition will have "it" until I've finished working.

[@svbikerman]

Another great video Jay. I was doing this today with summertime, surprised myself how easy I was picking out the notes. I think in part to your pentatonic course. Digging the t shirt, are they available to buy

[@bettersax]

Watson, putting the t-shirts on the website for sale is on the list of things to do. one day soon I hope.