[Beginner] Start with this song! A collection of practice tunes for jazz beginners
Among those who have just started an instrument, many are practicing guitar, piano, saxophone, or trumpet with a single-minded desire to play jazz.
That said, jazz can seem intimidating and difficult…
For anyone feeling that way, this article rounds up beginner-friendly jazz practice tunes.
They’re all standard numbers that nearly everyone has heard at least once, and with simple arrangements they can sound convincingly jazzy while being perfect for learning jazz style.
Future jazz players, take note!
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[For Beginners] Start with this song! A collection of practice pieces for jazz beginners (11–20)
There Will Never Be Another YouHarry Warren
The jazz standard “There Will Never Be Another You” is beloved as a kind of common language at jam sessions.
Despite lyrics that express the bittersweet idea that “there will never be a replacement,” it’s often played with a light, swinging feel that lifts your spirits just by listening.
Composed by Harry Warren, this classic became widely known as a song featured in the 1942 film Iceland.
Its melody line is very straightforward and easy to remember, making it an ideal entry point for anyone starting to learn jazz theory.
The chord progression sticks closely to the basics and is perfect for practicing improvisation, so why not start by playing the main melody at a relaxed tempo and enjoy that quintessential jazz sound?
It Could Happen to YouJimmy Van Heusen
The standard number “It Could Happen to You” stylishly depicts the arrival of an unexpected romance.
Since it was introduced in the 1944 film And the Angels Sing, countless great performances have been recorded, including on the Miles Davis Quintet album Relaxin’ with the Miles Davis Quintet.
Jimmy Van Heusen’s melody is extremely catchy, and combined with a chord progression that isn’t overly complex, it makes an ideal piece for learning the basics of jazz.
When performing it, keep a light, swinging feel in mind and start by honoring the original’s beautiful melodic line—that’s the key.
Once you’re comfortable, try a simple improvised solo that traces the chord tones.
Why not take your first step into jazz performance with this piece?
Take FiveDave Brubeck
“Take Five,” included on the groundbreaking 1959 album Time Out by the Dave Brubeck Quartet led by Dave Brubeck, is an iconic piece in the history of jazz.
Composed by Paul Desmond, the tune is built on a unique 5/4 time signature.
Uncommon at the time, this meter is said to have opened new horizons for jazz, and its exhilarating melody and rhythm continue to be loved by many.
The song has been covered by numerous artists around the world, including in Japan, and has been used across a wide range of media, from television and commercials to films.
For jazz beginners, “Take Five” offers a superb entry point into the genre through its simple yet profound appeal.
It’s an ideal track for anyone who wants to casually experience jazz rhythms or enjoy some cool music during a short break.
The Girl From IpanemaAstrud Gilberto
Astrud Gilberto is a singer from Brazil who became world-famous for The Girl from Ipanema, a song almost everyone has heard at least once.
Released in 1964, the track won a Grammy and has been covered by many artists.
Blending a refreshing bossa nova rhythm with elements of jazz, the song depicts a young, beautiful woman out for a walk, while the lyrics convey the bittersweet feeling of being drawn to her yet unable to speak to her.
As a jazz standard, it features a melody and rhythm that are accessible even to beginners.
The chords aren’t complex, making it approachable for those just starting out on guitar or piano.
Through this song, why not experience the profound appeal of jazz and broaden your musical horizons?
Fly Me to the MoonBart Howard
As a jazz standard, Fly Me To The Moon has long been loved by many musicians.
Its composer, Bart Howard, released it in 1954 under the title In Other Words, and it was later popularized by Frank Sinatra.
It was also used as the ending theme for Neon Genesis Evangelion, making it familiar to a wide audience.
With its simple chord progression and the stylish sound of seventh chords, this piece is easy for beginners to play and offers a great opportunity to glimpse the depth of jazz.
If you want to try playing a stylish jazz number, this is the perfect song to start with.
Blue BossaKenny Dorham
Kenny Dorham is known as a master of jazz trumpet from the bebop era, captivating many fans with his lyrical playing.
His signature composition “Blue Bossa” is a jazz standard first introduced on Joe Henderson’s 1963 album Page One.
While incorporating elements of bossa nova, the piece strongly reflects characteristics of hard bop and is distinguished by its simple structure that modulates between C minor and D-flat major.
Accessible even to beginners, it’s an ideal practice piece for those who want to try playing jazz, and its melodic appeal and ease of performance have kept it beloved by many musicians.
For jazz newcomers looking to step into the world of Latin jazz, it’s definitely a piece worth tackling!
[For Beginners] Start with this song! A collection of practice tunes for jazz novices (21–30)
Fly Me to the MoonNEW!Frank Sinatra
This is the jazz number “Fly Me to the Moon,” which became famous as the ending theme of the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, aired from 1995 to 1996.
Once people start playing the saxophone, many of them want to try jazz as well.
Since “Fly Me to the Moon” was used as the anime’s ending theme, it’s probably one of the best-known jazz tunes in Japan.
In the world of jazz, there are performance techniques like “fake” (embellishment) and improvisation, but the introduction video doesn’t feature complex improvised solos, so if you’ve only recently started playing the saxophone, aim to be able to play the notated parts in the video accurately.
At the same time, gradually learn the chords and other basics so you can bring out that jazz flavor in your playing.
