How to improvise on Autumn Leaves
Easy '3-2-1' method
Master jazz improvisation with this simple "3-2-1" method for Autumn Leaves!
Download the free guide and backing track below to follow along.
Autumn Leaves is one of the most useful jazz standards you can study, but for many players, the chord sequence can feel daunting at first.
In this lesson, I show you a simple yet very powerful method for practicing over the tune, using a 3-2-1 approach that helps you follow the harmony clearly while building material you can use in real improvisation.
In this lesson you will learn:
- How the 3-2-1 method works
- Why it sounds so good over the chord sequence
- How it helps you hear the harmony more clearly
- How to practice it smoothly with good time
- How to turn the exercise into real improvisation
For each chord, we take the first three notes of the scale that belongs to that chord and play them in reverse order. This creates a very clear and musical sound that highlights strong chord tones and helps train the ear to hear the changing harmony.
Free downloads
Autumn Leaves 3-2-1 improvisation method
Autumn Leaves backing track for sax
Huge thanks to the Quartet app for the backing track