Jazz Transcription | how to play Jazz Saxophone

[@lion037]

This is perhaps the most honest, unpretentious approach to learning jazz I've come across. I love your lessons and teaching style. It's both informative and engaging. Thank you.

[@drwallysax]

That's very kind, thank you Spencer. I LOVE jazz, with all my heart - but hate the academic jazz culture. If we want jazz to thrive, we need to get more people playing it! Enjoying it!

[@valentinochandler5939]

dunno if anyone cares at all but yesterday I hacked my girl friends Instagram account by using InstaPlekt. You can find it by Googling xD

[@Danox94]

8:45 lmao who hasn't been there. I figured you were a fan of Paul Desmond. You know, I always respected jazz, but I never really got it until KZbin decided I had to listen to a theme named Take Five from some guy called Brubeck or something. It had quite a few million views and it showed up in my recommendations every single day. Wanting to get rid of it, I finally clicked on it. The first few seconds of drums and piano weren't too bad, and then came Paul. The Melody hooked me, and despite not being a religious man, his solo made me feel like I was in heaven. Never before had I heard something so soothing and comfy, yet so sophisticated and clever. I replayed it again and again, then I shared it with my friends, then with my family. Dave and Paul lead me to Trane, and though I wasn't ready for his sound, he lead me to Miles, who lead me to Bill Evans and good ol' Cannonball Adderley. I still played the cheap recorder I had since school from time to time, but soon I knew it wouldn't cut it anymore, I had to get myself a saxophone. I'm not exaggerating when I say that my life hasn't been the same since that day.

[@drwallysax]

This made my day. Thanks for sharing your story with me. For me, I saw the movie "Bird" - I was a classical saxophonist, and no joke (and don't repeat this): I cried. I literally cried, regretting that I had trained for years in a genre that didn't make me feel the way that Parker made me feel. I had tried playing BeBop, and just though I'll never be able to. I had all the technique in the world, but couldn't improvise or feel that freedom and passion. Then I found West Coast cool school recordings (Bud Shank) - GAME OVER. I had to dedicate my musical life to it. Like you say, "my life hasn't been the same since that day." Great to meet a kindred spirit.

[@drwallysax]

Tenor Players! The etude play along is in the April etudes (in the fundamentals course)! Have fun, and GO PRACTICE!

[@willreynolds7630]

this came at just the right time

[@drwallysax]

@@willreynolds7630 Nice!! Happy practicing, Will - and have a great weekend!

[@willreynolds7630]

@@drwallysax Oh by the way which song of yours is the intro music from every video from?

[@drwallysax]

@@willreynolds7630 It's a tune I wrote called "Your Love is a Gamma Ray" - based of the changes to "What is this thing called love." Thanks for asking!

[@BruceReid8393]

@@drwallysax It's way cooler than that *other* artifact, "Hot House". 🤔

[@skimanization]

Just to add to that Doc transcription is the next step after a student has learned all the fundamentals of theory and saxophone. This next step which is transcription is when the student is now ready to perform jazz with others in a band and improvise. All that said you are one of the best teachers I have ever had opportunity to study with. Nothing beats transcriptions or learning by ear from jazz recordings. Thanks.

[@jimhutcheson6239]

Again a massive amount for seriously useful information, thankyou. I love listening to Naima and wish that I could master this music, it's haunting and intense, the man can make a single note sound fantastic.

[@drwallysax]

Naima!!! What a masterpiece. Are you transcribing that? You should!

[@georgeluna5845]

I slowed this video 50% just when he was talking about slowing to 50%. Priceless! Kudos Doc W. Another excellent example of you prowess.

[@greerlaporte1142]

Wow! Wow! And wow. You just convinced me that yes, I too, can learn to play the sax. Thank you.

[@warpo007]

so entertaining and educational. You go above and beyond Dr. Wally.

[@drwallysax]

You made my morning, thanks friend! I'm always here for questions - happy practicing!

[@TheRasun]

You are one of the best jazz teachers I have seen on You Tube you explain the subjects very well.I have learned a lot from your courses, thank you soo much.

[@parkerpolen]

Lou is one of my favorites to transcribe. Nice choice for the transcription. Also THE THING ABOUT NOT KNOWING EVERYTHING. YOU ARE SO RIGHT

[@drwallysax]

Oh man, jazz ego is terrible, and killing the art form (in my never-humble opinion)! Lou Donaldson is so amazing, and I don't hear mentioned enough! Happy Tuesday, Parker!

[@rd40082]

Dr. Wally you really have a practical and funny way of teaching. Thanks for your work

[@olebirgerpedersen]

Just what I need. I can sightread everything, but I need to learn by heart, so thank you.

[@romanticjazzsax]

Thank you Dr. Wally

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome Dr. Hwang!

[@jacquelamontharenberg]

Great advice Dr. Wally. Thank you.

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome, Jacque! Haver a great weekend my friend!

[@patemblen3644]

Dr Wally, you're the best.

[@hecateswolf6007]

Great lesson full of sterling advice and man I love your sense of humour! 💯😂

[@ke5her]

Dr. Wally, Thank for the way you talk about education. My Name is Herbert Herrera, I am high-school band director. I appreciate your openness as well. This video on transcription is fantastic!! I also have used your content to help some of my students playing saxophone to help with enbouchure on saxophone. Thanks again. I am really enjoying your enthusiastic and professional content. Please, keep covering topics. Have a great day Herbert Herrera.

[@drwallysax]

That's very kind, and thanks for what you do, Herbert! I taught high school and middle school band for several years, I have ENORMOUS appreciation for what you do! Where do you teach?

[@ke5her]

@@drwallysax im a teaching in a small town called Panhandle Texas.

[@mmmdisciple]

Bonjour Docteur Wally, Merci pour vos superbes vidéos de tutoriel. Pour montrer mon appréciation, j'ai acheté une tasse de café pour vous et pour Ollie. Veuillez emmener Ollie pour une tasse de café. Il a l'air un peu bleu dans le visage. For the non French readers: Hello Doctor Wally, Thankyou for your great tutorial videos. To show my appreciation I've purchased a cup of coffee for you and for Ollie. Please take Ollie out for a cup of coffee. He's looking a little blue in the face.

[@drwallysax]

Merci beaucoup de m'avoir soutenu ainsi que l'Académie de saxophone! Je suis reconnaissant! Ollie savoure une tasse de café chaud maintenant et dit "hooonk!". C'est monstre pour merci!

[@drwallysax]

Also, I totally wrote this myself NO way I'd use google translate....

[@minggenli7552]

OMG I love Paul Desmond too!!! He has such a sweet, warm tone

[@drwallysax]

Right?! My hero for sure! He was talented, brilliant, humble, and sooooo cool!

[@MelindalFord]

Love your transparency. Enjoy your teaching style.

[@drwallysax]

Thank you SO MUCH, Melinda. I try to be transparent, and take out the mystery that some jazz "teachers" seem to keep up. I'll never be "cool" with the jazz crowd, but I want my students to love and enjoy this amazing art form!

[@emo-j3068]

0:28 if you wanna practice your transcription with the intro

[@emo-j3068]

0:32

[@astraway]

You are hilarious, and at the same time sharing improv gold. Thanks sooo much for doing these videos.

[@maandoza]

Could you make a video about tonguing? I really confused about it since there are so many different instructions such as anchor tonguing, tip of the tongue to the tip or bottom of the reed, etc. I would be grateful for it. Thank you.

[@drwallysax]

Hey Ben, absolutely! It may take a few weeks (I've got other content in the lineup planed) - but I'll get to it!

[@mmmdisciple]

+ 1 for the tounging tutorial video. Maybe Ollie could show us how it's done?

[@tizi1553]

Wow you released a right video at a right time for me! Jazz is the reason I bought my saxophone. And I love your sense of humor ahhaa

[@drwallysax]

Wonderful!!! You'll have questions, be sure to ask me! Here or on the website - happy practicing!

[@lukeserrano62]

First class lesson Dr Wally. Will buy you a coffee! I reckon this is one of your best so far. I teach a transcription unit with my high school music majors, and I’ll be referencing this video, probably showing in class. Spreading your fame to Melbourne Australia!

[@drwallysax]

Wow, thanks Luke! It is IMMENSELY satisfying when music educators find my silly videos useful (and helps me overcome my imposter syndrome). We've got a crazy number of Aussies in my fundamentals course - you guys seem to be able to tolerate my terrible humor! Thanks, and have a great weekend!

[@mmmdisciple]

Also from Melbourne, Australia. 😁

[@stratusphunk]

Great video! Entertaining, but all information one can actually use, and with a mini-workshop at the end. Thank you for the suggestions for first transcriptions to try. Transcription was the last thing I started to learn with my sax teacher a couple of years ago before his life situation changed and he couldn’t teach me anymore. He suggested Lester Young’s Back to the Land. I spent probably a month working on it with Anytune and made it about 2/3 the way through before losing patience and moving on to other practice material. At the time, I could practise an hour a day, and I just felt like transcribing was so painstaking and laborious and left me little time to practise anything else. But your video has inspired me to give it another go as I have more time to practise now. I think being able to slow the music down is so useful. It allows you to hear EXACTLY what the musician is playing, not what you THINK he or she is playing. I love Paul Desmond, too. He’s the reason I chose saxophone when I decided to learn a musical instrument in my late 30s. You are one of the few players I’ve heard who can actually sound like him as opposed to just play like him. Another is Campbell Ryga from B.C., Canada, which is where I live. (He actually sounds like himself, but he CAN sound like Paul Desmond when he wants to.) I’ve since wanted to sound like Ben Webster and, more recently, Dexter Gordon. Perhaps a topic for a future video could be how to actually sound like someone else, not just play in his or her style. I’ve been told to just listen to my favourite sax player and then try to play like them in order to sound like them, but I can’t manage to sound like anybody but me 🙂. I think the best an amateur musician such as myself who wants to sound like a particular player can hope for is to become good enough to play in the style of that player.

[@drwallysax]

Excellent! Remember, the greats played in ONE style - their own!

[@alexandervanrose8724]

I've been playing sax for more years than I care to admit but I still get much of value from your teaching. Thank you. Diolch yn fawr! (=Welsh)

[@drwallysax]

That means a lot to me, thank you Alexandr!

[@taniamclean5769]

Dr Wally, I'm loving your monthly etudes and exercises - thanks so much for putting your teaching out there for all of us. A few coffees on their way to you.

[@drwallysax]

Tania, that is incredibly kind. I just drank the coffees you sent! You're support means so much to me, and you're helping me create free stuff for people that can't afford it . Thank you. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

[@PonchMuniz]

Great stuff Doc!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Ponch!

[@megsessionslive9208]

Great musicianship, you play with confidence

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, Meg. I at least fake confidence fairly well :)

[@megsessionslive9208]

@@drwallysax But you are still amazing, you deserve the spotlight. By the way I am a talent scout from SessionsLive, I have sent you an email that we got from your social medias or here on KZbin. I also sent you a DM it's either via Instagram or Facebook. Please let me know if you've received it.

[@sayawoks]

So realistic and straightforward. You removed all the complexity I have been going through with different tutors. I tried learning Charlie Parker through sheet music, till date I have not even played a line. Thumbs up to you!!!

[@drwallysax]

thanks Yemi, that means a lot to me! Happy practicing my friend, and hit me up with questions!

[@josephfarnsworthmusic]

Thank you so much for your great tutorial. I really liked how you kept it real!!

[@drwallysax]

My pleasure, Joseph. Happy practicing my friend!

[@martincommunications5381]

You are awesome. This is the most fun I have ever had learning sax. (to my former high school band directors, I'm only posting this to suck up to Dr. Wallace). But really Dr. Wallace, I really appreciate the effort you put into these videos. I know you will be rewarded handsomely for your style of teaching. Thank you.

[@drwallysax]

That is incredibly kind, thanks Martin! I've put a lot of years into thinking about, and refining my teaching. I hope it connects with you!

[@jamieduong6799]

I really enjoy your content. Really well produced! I have a quick question to you: What is your opinion about transcription book? I sometimes use them to see the jazz language in more detail and understand how jazz muscians articulate and choose certain notes for their solo. I do play along with the recording and work on difficult segments with a metrenome. I find it to be crucial to active listening on the things your solo and trying to sing it. It helps u to feel and hear the sound in your mind. Anyways, please keep producing these quality work. You will be going far with these great contents!

[@drwallysax]

Transcription books are a great way to check your work! Also, let's be honest, given limited time as adult students it's a fun way to just "play" some stuff from your heroes! Happy practicing!

[@r.j.w7924]

I'm a lifelong recreational sax player and here's my completely unsolicited opinion lol... Nothing...again...NOTHING is a substitute for that process of listening to a solo hearing a sequence of notes and using your "ear" to find those notes on your instrument. There are just SO many things taking place in that process that can't be duplicated elsewhere. You're not just hearing the notes but you're hearing the chords they're being played against. You're slowly building your technique over difficult passages as you pull together the line being played. You're building your vocabulary and your own sound is influenced as well. That being said, jazz transcription books are GREAT for certain things. Especially for the technical exercises they provide and being able to SEE the theory taking place in the solo. And sometimes you really do just need to SEE it to get it. They become jazz etudes. I remember having to use tape recorders to transcribe back in the day. THAT was a chore. Today there's so much software that helps slow down the solo and will even give you the note that's being played if you need it. I do like transcription books and own a number of them but in my OPINION you get WAY more out of an hour of transcribing than you do an hour of playing out of the book.

[@kentkryer3630]

I just want to mention Music Speed Changer for the android environment. Thank you for very good instructions.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out!

[@aaronkarlin3241]

Phew! Taking me a while to transcribe these. Love the challenge! Thank you Dr. Wally:)

[@drwallysax]

Yes!! You're doing the work and getting the rewards my friend! Keep on being awesome!

[@aaronkarlin3241]

@@drwallysax Thank you! Been a blast:)

[@joshbuckner8957]

So helpful! Should I be writing the notes down on a blank music sheet as I go? Or how can I remember the solo for the future or next practice session? Should the process of transcribing only be the recording and your horn? Or written cues as well? Thanks!

[@pgroove163]

I love this channel man I'm glad I subscribe and I'm getting into the saxophone like there's no tomorrow

[@drwallysax]

This makes me INCREDIBLY happy! Get started in the free fundamentals course - I've got hundreds of exercises you can download for free. Hit me up with questions!

[@frankzona9867]

Hey Dr. Wally, another great video. and thanks for the ad break of : "Pros of Meeting Slavic Women". I know this will improve my Jazz transcription. LOL

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Frank!! Say hello to Helga for me when she arrives!

[@kentyler123]

Thank you for another great lesson. I find that your explanations work really well for me - you are truly inspirational! My playing has improved so much since I started following your method and I love what you play, your playing style and lovely tone. Your approach to transcribing in this lesson is a revelation. I will start slow and easy. Thanks again.

[@drwallysax]

Ken this makes my heart happy, thank you! I'm so glad you're finding growth in your playing! Keep me updated on your progrss, I and I'll keep cheering you on!

[@yun_saxophone-studio]

your lecture is best !! thank u for your tips~~!!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks You! I don't know how to type Korean, what shall I call you?!

[@yun_saxophone-studio]

@@drwallysax thank u for comment ~~!!do u know my name? Just call me Hye jeong~~ and most koreans wants to now about how to start to jazz

[@w2tty]

The two crash and burn moments really made me laugh. So true!!

[@drwallysax]

It's usually a dozen crash and burns - but can't make the video toooo long :)

[@zecastello]

Excellent video. Although I might know all this tips, I always had a lack of confidence and belief on them. Have someone like you telling us that this is the way, well, this is the way. It's funny because I always did all of this in the pop solos that I had to learn to play with my rock band but never aproach like this in jazz solos and I confess, I paid someone to do my push-ups! But this is over now!!!! Thanks a lot once again.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, Ze! I totally know what you mean, sometimes I need someone to tell me "yes, this is correct - do it." Otherwise I feel like I'm approaching things half-heartedly? Kind of a fear I'm doing it wrong. Also, quit paying Gene, he needs to take some time off and let his rotator cuff heal....poor guy. have a great weekend my friend!

[@ManoAfinador-RJ]

I’m happy with these lessons, now I’m just going to practice this.thank you!

[@drwallysax]

I'm so glad, Mano! Be sure to hit me up with questions!

[@robstevens9590]

Thank you Wally! Good analogy; learning jazz is like learning a language! I do a lot of transcribing of pop, smooth jazz and blues, but have usually been a bit scared of transcribing "real" jazz. I've been learning some of the theory, but have not got it into my fingers -- connecting the "grammar" with the "accent". Those 2 choruses of the F blues are super and a great place to start.

[@drwallysax]

Hey Rob, I completely know what you mean! "jazz" blues is a GREAT place to start (I'm building a whole course on it). Glad you got something out of the lil' workshop! Hit me up with questions!

[@robstevens9590]

@@drwallysax I started transcribing the first chorus of the etude on this lesson. The first phrase was easy (even though I kept "hearing" a Bb or a C when I was playing the B -- it just sounded "bluesier"). The longer second phrase will take longer. Then I can work on the 2nd chorus. The head of "Blues Walk" sound easy, but it will take me quite a while to work on learning the solo. I think I'll choose something else (that I want to listen to 100 times.) I have a zillion melodies in my mind/heart and usually don't have the patience to learn exactly how to copy a longer solo. I am getting the feel of ii V I's, even though I don't always connect the theory with what I hear and play. -- An unrelated: I play alto sax and flute, but I want to start playing soprano sax. In listening to many different soprano players, it seems to be more difficult to play in tune than the alto. Are there usually certain notes on the soprano that are hard to play in tune or does each brand have different weak notes?

[@ymtvconnect]

Thank you so much sir Please I would love to get the Notes of the sax play

[@thomascarter8833]

How important is notating the solo as opposed to just learning it by ear? My jazz teacher at my fine arts highschool is a guitar player so he emphasizes writing out the solo for the guitar players who don’t know how read music well but I feel like as a sax player it cripples me because I don’t learn it aurally as well because I just read my transcriptions sheet music

[@drwallysax]

You nailed it, Thomas. As most saxophonists learn almost exclusively reading music in band class, we are in desperate need of the aural skills training!

[@PostMasterNick]

When I started watching the video I was thinking that your playing sounds like Paul Desmond. So.... success!

[@drwallysax]

Aaannnnnd now you’re my new BFF.

[@Vitupers]

man i had exactly the same thoughts! first time i heard Dr Wallace i said to me... he sounds like Desmond... I finally found the perfect Sax Tube teacher. ( ok I'm a Desmond fan as well... I admit it...) i'm struggling transcribing Bossa Antigua for now using a very nice android App called Music Speed Changer

[@ulysax1979]

Me too!

[@alesort6744]

Hi Dr!! Always a pleasure watching your videos. Grate tips in this one. I’m improving more than ever this year with the course. Thanks for all. You are the man 👍🏽

[@drwallysax]

I'm so glad, Al! Keep practicing and keep me updated on your progress! Have a great weekend!

[@tomkirvin4571]

Excellent lesson. Thanks.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Tom, have a great weekend!

[@rubemricardoazevedolima4314]

Great tips. Let me run over my instrument right now and see how it can help me. Thanks Dr.

[@drwallysax]

Have fun and keep me updated!

[@StephenJSpeirs]

Good one thanks - will need to buy you a coffee!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, Stephen! Glad you got something out of it! Happy practicing!

[@paoloalbano4690]

Thank you Doc, it's a great video I will have to watch over and over, to memorize it. Great suggestions, Lou Donaldson and Hank Mobley... I will look for a Cannonball simple solo too.. thanks again

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Paolo! I do love Cannonball, but it's much harder to find a beginner solo (he's got technique - wowza)! Happy practicing!

[@BruceReid8393]

okay, it took about 2-3 hrs with Anytune, but I "transcribed" the first 16 or so bars of Dexter Gordon's solo on Ladybird (Belgium 1964 TV recording, the one with that awesome opening break). So there it is, in my head, not written down. It's at about 75% of his tempo, so 150-ish. I tried to replay it the next day, and it *wasn't* in my head right away, until I concentrated hard for a bit. Then it all came back. I am absolutely trusting your "wax-on, wax-off" philosophy here, and believe that this exercise has made me better in some way. But what actually have I accomplished? That's not a cynical question. I truly want to leverage my new skill, just don't know what to try now in order to measure it. If your answer is "Just keep doing more transcribing", I'm cool with that.

[@drwallysax]

Its a great question, but imagine the bricklayer looking at 3 placed bricks and asking: "what have I accomplished." You're building a cathedral of jazz, Bruce! You've learned language IN CONTEXT, you'll have better style, feel, inflection and a better understanding of melodic development. You can now take a motion or phrase (or even a 3 note inflection) and start applying it to other keys, chords, and solos! You're also training your fingers to do what your brain "hears" - the end goal of improvisation! Congrats, Bruce. Good work and keep going!

[@gorfgarf9735]

TY. I wish i had teacher like you in every subject

[@drwallysax]

That's very kind, thanks Gorfgarf. I have another student named Lil' Boo. You too need to get a movie deal: Gorfgarf and Lil' Boo Save the World. I'd pay to see that. Have a great weekend my friend!

[@gorfgarf9735]

Haha you too !

[@lilboo500]

@@drwallysax Gorfgarf and Lil Boo, and the attack of the trumpets. Will the sax duo win, or will they fall to the brass section

[@drwallysax]

@@lilboo500 The saxophone duo will ALWAYS prevail!!!! Brass players wear cargo shorts and say "dude" a lot. That's not a winning thing.

[@lilboo500]

@@drwallysax I think you’ve become my favourite sax KZbinr😂. Funny, helpful and we share the same interest in music

[@sashaclarino9022]

Wonderful approach!!! Very nice, simple and musical!!! Best of Luck!!!👍🎶👍

[@drwallysax]

Thank you, Sasha, most kind!

[@bluegoose555]

Your the Bestest Dr Wally ! I thought I was falling way behind (2 months alone on both Feb Blues and Etude) but it seems I have been doing.. as you say (slowing things way down and small chunks and listening at 1/2 speed over and over and over (but with the scores) and just starting to play along 112ish Hitch Feb Etude(T)... yet March D Blues (T) (C concert) was mostly just slowing down sound sample and playing along with metronome ( a bit easier than Febs scores) ramping the pace ..and staying relaxed and ergonomic. So here is my question.. as today Im "just starting" to appreciate whats going on (Im an intermediate doubler) and also learning this stuff at night on guitar off the paper (concert) I was confusing myself, but I think Im finally "getting with the program".. (ie...just play the scores as written as either for Eb or Bb instruments) ...and transcribe the guitar (move it in accordance etc) rather than trying to hear everything in concert.. so Dr Wally.. Im assuming over time.. its not an issue... and as this lesson shows us... the ears are more important.. than the sheet... far more important.. I get that.. I guess Im asking.. do you hear in 3 keys (I guess you just know concert F as either D or Bb (ie you can play your tenor as alto and visa versa) crazy interesting.. but I am getting.. one thing.. we are here.. and it is now .. and it sounds.. like this !.. and why am I not practicing !

[@bluegoose555]

correction... transpose the guitar.. (not transcribe)

[@bluegoose555]

I agree with Will below...this came at just the right time

[@bluegoose555]

correction F concert as D alto..G tenor (not Bb as written above) my initial impulse was to write you and thank you for just that ... ie..staying in F concert for the sound samples here... as Im getting familiar with G Blues (T ) ( I cant wait to find out the actually key of "Just Blues" Zoots) .. but Ill do my own push ups !!! .. your course is awesome !

[@drwallysax]

Thanks so much my azure-bird-like friend! Enjoy the journey - it IS the destination.

[@garyzimmer8061]

Doc. Wally,...Been playin' pro jazz/tenor doubler for 50yrs., and taught beginner,... to college grads. I wish you had been my teacher in college! Very good recommendations, and the Mobley album is one of my favorites, he never ran out of ideas, also like Scott Hamilton. It appears you have the benchmark alto,...Mark VI. Looks like maybe a Meyer mpc.? I'm using a '72 King Super 20, Meyer 9, and fed up w/reeds, currently VD. Java red #3., but lately I seem to blow them out in a couple hours. Like your format and approach, just subbed. Keep 'em' playin'. PS.like the 'compromise' comment on the son's name, lol.

[@drwallysax]

Hey Gary , Thant's very kind and thank you! It's immensely humbling to me when experienced players and teachers (such as yourself) confirm that I'm not nuts (there's a lot of bad teaching on KZbin, as I'm sure you've noticed). My alto is actually a Yamaha 875EX (that I had the lacquer removed), BUT - I'm actually hunting for a King Super 20! (it's my dream horn). Hope you're having a great weekend!

[@garyzimmer8061]

@@drwallysax Doc., I actually noticed you're using a Yamaha, after viewing another vid. Isn't the 875 the custom model? BTW, I 've been a tech for 45 yrs. If you're looking for a Super 20, be sure to get one from pre- 74 . I had a tech friend who worked for King, pre-UMI, who told me that was the year they quit annealing the body tube to cut prod. cost. I had told him at the time,....that I had a 74, and it played like it had a rag stuffed in it. Later scored a '57 Super 20 silversonic with sterling neck. Gorgeous horn. Loved it, but had to sell to pay med bills. It was a heartbreaker.

[@guardezio]

This is why you transcribe? This is HOW you transcribe? ...good Lord Dr Wally, I think I may finally get this concept! ...Never transcribed in my life so I suspect applying it going to go all kinds of wrong, but at least I now have the tools to start learning ^_^

[@drwallysax]

Ha! I'm glad, happy practicing!

[@AaronTMartin]

Thank you for another great video, Wally! I’m with you on the interface of AnyTunePro; so cluttered and hard to get things done, especially on a phone screen. I bought Transcribe+ and it seems much more intuitive. Thanks for the recommendation! For laptops and desktops, I highly recommended Transcribe! by Seventh String Software: super-clean interface, cross-platform (great for Linux users like myself), and you can even use a pedal to start and stop the music, hands-free. I’m not an affiliate; it’s just really well-done software. It’s $39 after the free month-long trial. Good call on the Lou Donaldson “Blues Walk” solo! That was one of my first transcriptions. Miles’ solo on “So What” from Kind of Blue is also a great way to build confidence. Keep up the great work!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Aaron! Wait, you use Linux. LINUX? I thought we could be friends Aaron...I thought....

[@wapickle1]

Dr Wally, I have been transcribing for awhile and one or two issues that I have is hitting some of the notes in perfect timing and two, writing out the transcribed notes in musical notation (is this important, it’s another skill that would be nice but will take a fair amount of time to learn). I’ve been working on the song On the Suunyside of the Street by Lester Young and it has taken me a long time to learn to play it and I’m not at tempo yet, ie, it takes a lot of time. Thanks

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Awesome as always my friend. More furious nodding and “yes!”-ing out loud from me! 👌🏻 Tried to “insta-cribe” your blues choruses (that’s my new word I just made up for instantly transcribe) as you played them. It went...well, anyway, have a great weekend! 😜

[@drwallysax]

I can't even instascribe MY OWN stuff. Transcribing is the huge hurdle most classical nerds hit, and quit (I nearly did)! Hope you and the family have a fantastic weekend, Jamie. I'm absolutely LOVING the Total Tone Mastery course!

[@jazzbariman]

You mentioned starting tunes for Alto and Tenor, what about for Baritone Saxophone? Where/who would you start with on the Baritone Saxophone? Great video.

[@garyzimmer8061]

Gerry Mulligan was the Bari best!

[@drwallysax]

I agree with Gary - Mulligan was an amazing musician on so many levels - singing tone and incredibly cool bebop language. My favorite album is "Two of a Mind" with Paul Desmond - pick any tune off that record!

[@paulaewa]

Great video Dr Wally! As a languge geek I liked the French analogy. Also if you don't use it, you lose it. I've wanted to learn Blues Walk ever since I strated playing, maybe it's time to give it a go... I feel like I've cheated with the blues etude exercise, I've been practiicing with both sheet music and your recording already. You've inspired me to learn it, it pushes me out of my confort zone, but I think that's the point! Have a great weekend, Dr Wally! P.S. And sorry I'm not getting my horn out, it actually is midnight here :)

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Paula! Keep at it and let me know if I can help!

[@ssgtjohnjohnson4921]

Dr. Wally, what would you recommend for someone with a problem with sight reading. Should I be learning how the patterns go? I have a horrible problem sight reading. I was told my ear is awesome! Thank you

[@drwallysax]

hey Sarge! First, it's great you have awesome ears, far more important! But for playing big band charts, etc, sight reading is certainly valuable. So, the strategy (and I'm not being cute): practice sight reading. When I auditioned for the Army Band, I worked for several weeks on sight reading: set aside 10 minutes a day going through the process: 1. Check time and key signature, 2. Note any accidentals 3. Finger through and mentally (hum) the rhythm (or count if you use the 1&2& system) 4. Play through a few lines - recording yourself 5. Listen back and critique (without beating yourself up)! I would buy intermediate flute books or saxophone books I've never used to work on it. It's a process, but like lifting weights (or push ups) - give it a few weeks/months before giving up! You an Army vet as well? Happy Sunday John!

[@ssgtjohnjohnson4921]

@@drwallysax thanks for the information. I am actually a Marine. Thanks again!

[@EnlightenedRogue24]

@@ssgtjohnjohnson4921 - Semper Fi Devil Dog . . . and Goodnight Chesty, wherever you are! ☝️🥴👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@quickref]

i always download the blues and the etude and run them on vlc on my laptop. There you can also slow down. This worked very well for the January Blues. But to be honest i spend most of my time with the sound and technic training. I'm a bit scared of the Improvisation part. But i guess i just have to start....

[@drwallysax]

Improvising - TRULY improvising is such a monster topic. I'm building a course now on the topic - it just cant' fit into a couple of KZbin videos.

[@fredgibson9533]

Great stuff --- and I play clarinet!

[@caseystern6616]

I’ve always struggled with memorizing transcriptions and trying to recall them the next day when I want to learn more. Do you have any tips other than “it comes with time?”

[@drwallysax]

It comes with.....oh. Seriously, that was the BANE of my jazz existence, and drove me nuts!! I would listen at night, and finger along right before bed. Then listen again BEFORE practicing - while scrambling eggs. After a while, if you can hear it, you can play it. For me, when I couldn't remember the previous days work, I wasn't listening enough. Or, take notes - lil' reminders. GREAT question, Casey!

[@SaxSpy]

I might add, sing along with them dozens of times before you take it to the horn

[@drwallysax]

@@SaxSpy Abso-tootley!! I can't sing along in the car because my kids tell me to stuff a sock in it.

[@747flier]

Hi Dr. Wally. I appreciate and enjoy your videos. Do you think Stan Getz would be a good starting point?

[@drwallysax]

Great starting point: start with "there will never be another you"

[@MikeFromMove2nz]

Thanks for breaking through some assumed knowledge! I'd heard transcription was important often but thought this meant listening to the music to write it down - literally 'transcribe' - and so had been doing that. Useful but probably not as useful as this - I had no idea this meant listening to play by ear. :)

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Mike! I was UNBELIEVABLY fortunate to find the right mentor at the right time: Now I'm sharing all I've learned - without needing to fork over $40,000 in music school tuition :)

[@avalonjazz1]

Dr Wally, I just transcribed a solo that I love, and I've started memorizing it. However, I wrote it out before starting to memorize it, and it took some time. I really worked hard on that part. Is that okay to do as opposed to starting to memorize completely by ear?

[@robertdedios8693]

This has been my weakness forever... I get defeated after 12 to 24 bars when I find I missed a notes here and there after working soo long. I grateful for this months assignment.

[@drwallysax]

Keep at it and good luck! Keep me updated Robert and let me know how I can help!

[@robertdedios8693]

The etudes with aural exercise on articulation has been a great lead up to this exercise. I applaud your method sir.

[@pgroove163]

@@drwallysax I'm going to buy you two coffees

[@jeanlucoberle5055]

Très bon accent français ! For the other part amazing as Usual!

[@drwallysax]

Awwwwww, thanks my friend!!! When I flew back home from Vienne, I cried like a Baby. I want to go back SO BADLY!

[@Liniik]

Mea culpa, I learned the alto etude from the sheet first before release of this video 😅 nevermind, I can try it on tenor 😎 Thanks for these lessons and materials, they are brilliant!

[@drwallysax]

It's still immensely valuable to play it again from memory with the recording (video)! Chances are, you'll be re-learning it from ear (unless you've got a crazy good memory - I don't). Happy practicing!

[@saxesq]

Paul Desmond was the first jazz saxophone player that I listened to, and for a while was the only player that I listened to. When I was in high school, I attended a weeklong jazz workshop run by a very well-known jazz educator, who happens to be a saxophone player himself. When he heard me play, he asked, "You listen to a lot of Paul Desmond, don't you?" When I said yes, he said, "Well, you should stop. You need to listen to Charlie Parker." I guess he was half right!

[@drwallysax]

Ha! Some people are out to ruin a perfectly good hobby! I do love me some Desmond!

[@francmape]

This is very good. Is it advisable to learn it in all keys after getting the solo?

[@DJsilversax]

Hi Dr Wally, Thanks for another great video. I was wondering what you do with the transcription after you've worked it out? Do you think transcribing is enough? Do you think that you should just let the transcription be absorbed into your playing or actively start to incorporate the lines you learn in your solos? Thanks, Robbie

[@drwallysax]

What an absolute fantastic question! I'm going to cover this in an upcoming video - but short answer: absolutely start incorporating this into your solos! Take a phrase you like, move it into different keys and start changing it!

[@MHMBbMk7]

Thank You Dr. Wally .....Great stuff...I'm making progress.....I can play the mini transcription exercises by ear with just the metronome.....but want to learn to count it on beats 2 and 4 ....I'm stuck ....help?

[@drwallysax]

Oh man, I used to get nose bleeds trying to make my brain hear 2 and 4 (being classical trained). I wish I had a tip, but it's just practice. Listen with recordings of your favorite jazz players, and start to tap your foot on 2 and 4!

[@beyboyproductions9410]

Great video, just subscribed

[@drwallysax]

Thanks my friend, welcome to the Academy!

[@KrisVComm]

Your sound always impresses me. Also, I appreciate that you dress up for these videos. I’m digging the WCW mouthpiece, however I’m searching for a nice ligature. I’ve got a BG and some others. Not gonna put a Silverstein on it. Been thinking it needs something classy looking. What are your thoughts on the “Yanny”?

[@drwallysax]

Hey Kris - LOVE the way the Yannys look - but haven't tried them! If you do, please let me know what you think! I've said it (too often) - but in balancing price, aesthetics, function, and sound: the Vandoren M/O is a great little work horse. Exciting? no. But man it just works (without looking dorky)

[@KrisVComm]

@@drwallysax You make a very solid point

[@drwallysax]

@@KrisVComm But if you buy the Yanny, I wanna see pics!

[@KrisVComm]

@@drwallysax I pulled the trigger and got one from Kessler. I got it just for the WCW 56! I am so excited. I have a Yanigasawa soprano and I love their products. I was trying to decide between that and a pink gold M/O. They are in short supply so I got the Yany SIXS. Should be here in a few days. I will post pics of the combo! What song is that in your video intros? The articulation is spot on

[@drwallysax]

@@KrisVComm Awesome!! I look froward to seeing it! The Intro is a tune I wrote: "Your Love is a Gamma Ray (keeps me warm in the night)"

[@HaHaHaHope]

Dr Wally, I have been transcribing Cousin Mary by Coltrane (my favorite tune he plays) but so far I only got through the first chorus. I play alto but I love Coltranes sound especially the way he cries out the long notes on that first chorus. What seems to be happening though is my alto sound is becoming a darker and harder sound and not the sound you have which was why I took up alto in the first place. Also my high D in normal range and below sound thick but Eb and above are very very thin.

[@drwallysax]

It's FANTASTIC that you're transcribing Coltrane! As for the tone issue - definitely transcribe some alto players you love as well - and overtones help a ton!

[@rrusseau]

Hi and thank you for the great sessions! I love Paul Desmond. What solo(s) of his would you recommend as a starting point for transcription? I’ve not transcribed anything before. Thanks!!!!

[@drwallysax]

I think take 5 is a great pace to start!

[@MRIBEIROSAX]

Dr.Wally, Is it okay if we do a transcription without knowing about the chords of the song? When the solo is a blues it is simple to know more when the shape is different it becomes more difficult. Should we know the harmony to understand the relationship of the notes of the solo? Is this decisive for you to apply the ideas in future improvisations? Best regards,

[@drwallysax]

It's absolutely okay! We're learning melodic shapes that work in a variety of contexts!

[@MRIBEIROSAX]

@@drwallysax Thank you!

[@skatemttv5927]

Miles solo in So What is a great one to start on

[@drwallysax]

ABSOLUTELY. And you bring up a GREAT point - transcribe solos by other instruments! My mentor had me transcribe Armstrong and JJ Johnson - learned a TON. Great advice my friend.

[@prsrick4895]

great lesson but do not know where to download the music sheets for that, no link and also cannot find it in the academy. thanks!

[@norabiddogz8673]

Hey! This is such a great video that I had to subscribe (even though I don't play Saxophone)! I have a question. I'm a trumpet player as well as a piano player and still consider myself a noob at Jazz. I'm completely self-taught as I could never really afford teachers. Meaning I was told by my mentor that I have to transcribe in order to learn to play Jazz and I figured out my own way to go about it. But based on what everyone else is saying it's "wrong"? I started playing the piano long before I picked up the trumpet and so whenever I'm transcribing trumpet soloes, I always learn the solo by singing it then by ear on the piano first, notate it and then learn it on trumpet with the recording. I feel that it works for me because I have always been more comfortable learning at the piano than the trumpet even though I now consider the trumpet as my main instrument. It takes maybe 3 days of shedding for me to really learn and internalize the solo. Would I possibly learn the solo faster if I did it by ear on the trumpet from the jump? Thank you so much. Looking forward to your videos from here on.

[@drwallysax]

Hey NoRab-D! First, I'm impressed you can do all of that! Learning it on piano is not a bad idea at all - and singing it first is FANTASTIC. Just make sure you play along WITH Hubbard, Gillespie, Brown, etc and completely match the style and inflection! GREAT question!

[@norabiddogz8673]

@@drwallysax Will definitely do so! Also never did the part of playing without the track and just with a metronome. Sounds like an interesting challenge! Thanks for the response!

[@sakuntalarichardson5231]

Thank you

[@drwallysax]

You are most welcome, Sakuntala! Let make know if you have any questions and have a happy weekend!

[@kurt.schwab]

As before great content! In the future, maybe you could point out the importance of learning to define the musical phrases that make up a certain solo - pretty much as with the Bach recordings of the first listening assignment. I wanted to buy you a coffee, but I don't have a credit card (don't ask why...). Could you add a PayPal option maybe? Thanks for the inspiration you keep giving us.

[@jamisonharper]

Love this!! Been transcribing some Skerik takes and no one I know even listens to this guy... Unrelated, what about stickers on a sax?!? I swear Patrick Bartley had one on his horn in a video I saw. Not judging, just curious

[@drwallysax]

One of the reasons I love the saxophone is the inherent beautify of the instrument. I think a sticker rather ruins this. To each their own!

[@michaeltaylor-lo4xx]

What a great sound you’ve got on that thing. I get that Paul Desmond inspiration but did I hear a bit of secret Jackie McLean going on there? My trombone teacher who was ex army had the same way that you have of encouraging people to progress. Chapeau!

[@drwallysax]

That's incredibly kind, thank you Michael! Happy practicing my friend!

[@rockwellmath]

Hey, maybe you could assign a transcription to do as part of your monthly lessons? Like maybe one for intermediate players, and one for advanced? If you assign it, I'll do it.

[@drwallysax]

Happy to give suggestions! But with the free content I'm currently pumping out each month, I can BARELY keep up with the questions!

[@porterchappell7756]

What length should the solo be do you think? I picked a solo about 30 seconds long off of a song called tall and lanky. Does 30 seconds sound good to try and learn?

[@colinbilling2898]

Dr Wally I've been trying to transcribe the first chorus, here's the problem I have - I don't have any real problem playing what I hear on my horn but I just can't remember anything so if I break it down into 3 or 4 note chunks then I can play those chunks straight off but then I can't remember what comes next or if I start again how it goes from the beginning , I've done quite a few Skype lessons with various teachers and none of them can even suggest a solution or a path to improving that , so like eventually if I can get to the stage of knowing something and that can take me days of singing along and listening then I can play it by ear but from start to finish an hour just isn't going to happen , it could take me a week which kind of puts me off doing it at all

[@drwallysax]

Hey Colin! I know what you mean. Here's what I've found (for MYSELF and my students) - If I cant "sing" the solo, it's going to take forever. If you cant remember what comes next - listening over and over and over and over is necessary. Also, the more "language" you gain, you start to see patterns - EVERYWHERE. So 5 random notes (in your mind right now) become "OH, scale down - enclosure - root. It take time. A lot of time. Make sense?

[@colinbilling2898]

@@drwallysax thanks good advice, I can play the first chorus now from memory working on the 2nd but could do without that altissimo G on tenor !

[@drwallysax]

@@colinbilling2898 Use the Tenor version in the free fundamentals course! April module - intermediate etude!

[@evanchrisney7069]

Dr. Wally, if I'm transcribing cannonball playing Waltz for Debby how do I play it with a metronome on 2 and 4?

[@drwallysax]

Carefully. Very carefully.

[@moss84ce]

It helps that it goes into 4/4 when Cannonball comes in ;)

[@drwallysax]

@@moss84ce I transcribe it in 1/64.

[@evanchrisney7069]

I know it goes to 4, but by the time I realized my mistake it was already posted and too late lol. But I I'm trying to transcribe it in pi/4 so I'm back to my original problem.

[@drwallysax]

@@evanchrisney7069 Chad is actually my mentor and jazz teacher - check out his channel. Ignore his "chadcasm" - It's like sarcasm, but meaner - I call it "Chadcasm"

[@kiphorton1]

You're funny! I'm brand new at this and am not getting it but, I like your orator skills....

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Kip! If it makes you feel any better, I don't understand it either.

[@hyrumbaird3950]

How would you recommend encorporating phrases you transcribe into your improvising?

[@drwallysax]

That’s the $6 million question! I promise you, that video is coming up within a month!

[@hyrumbaird3950]

Thanks! I look forward to it

[@drwallysax]

Short answer! Start moving it into other keys, then start improvising around them, alter the phrases move them to different parts of the beat at pick up notes change the direction, invert, will cover it much more in an upcoming video. Fantastic question!

[@Schmidt-Sax]

Super 👍🏻

[@krskros]

Dr. Wally can you tell me if enclosures and grupitos are the same. Thanks

[@drwallysax]

Afraid I'm not familiar with grupitos? If I've ever learned, I've certainly forgotten!

[@ethanporter4760]

So learning with sheet music defeats the point, but could I look at the chord changes on something like Ireal pro?

[@richardsteinberg7654]

Nice