[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)
What Is This Thing Called LoveCole Porter
Composed and written by Cole Porter for the musical Wake Up and Dream, which premiered in March 1929, this piece is a masterpiece with a sophisticated sound that explores the universal theme of “What is love?” Like Tadd Dameron’s Hot House, it has become a fundamental standard for performers to the extent that new tunes have been written using its chord progression.
Its distinctive changes, with frequent shifts between major and minor, make it ideal for cultivating a jazz sensibility.
Start by grasping its AABA form and try playing with an awareness of the moments when the mood shifts between light and dark.
It’s also perfect as material for practicing improvisation, so if you’re looking to get into jazz, definitely give it a try!
All the Things You AreJerome Kern
Written for the musical Very Warm for May, which premiered in November 1939, this piece is a standard celebrated for its beautiful melody and skillful modulations.
Composed by Jerome Kern, it expresses feelings for a beloved with rich emotion, and its beauty remains intact even as an instrumental.
It has been embraced beyond the stage, appearing in the film Broadway Rhythm and in Kern’s biographical film Till the Clouds Roll By.
Its distinctive 36-bar form and key changes make it perfect for studying jazz language.
Why not start by confirming the chord colors and performing the melody at a slow tempo, as if you were singing it?
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?
Bag’s GrooveMilt Jackson
A staple of jam sessions beloved by players around the world, this tune is a blues number composed by vibraphone master Milt Jackson.
Since its first recording in April 1952, countless great performances have emerged, but the version on the 1957 album “Bags’ Groove,” featuring a collaboration with Miles Davis, is essential listening.
It follows a basic 12-bar blues in F, and its riff-based, memorable melody makes it perfect for those looking to learn improvisation.
The chart is simple, which makes it all the more important to convey a strong sense of swing and to handle the spaces and rests effectively.
First, listen until you can hum the head, and enjoy the conversational spirit unique to jazz.
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 MoonFrank 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.
