[Beginner] Start with this song! A collection of practice tunes for jazz beginners

MistyErroll Garner

Misty

Misty – Erroll Garner | Piano Tutorial (EASY) | WITH Music Sheet | JCMS

Inspired by a rainbow and mist seen from an airplane window, Erroll Garner is said to have improvised the masterpiece “Misty.” Its romantic, slightly wistful melody ranks among the most popular jazz standards and is widely cherished as a beautiful ballad.

First included on the 1954 album “Contrasts,” it continued to captivate audiences across generations, notably featuring memorably in the 1971 film “Play Misty for Me.” With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy for the fingers to follow, allowing players to savor the resonance of the chords—one of the piece’s great attractions.

Start by carefully aligning the simple melody with the left-hand accompaniment rhythm, and try to evoke a dreamlike, mist-shrouded atmosphere.

Song for My FatherHorace Silver

Song For My Father

Song for My Father – Very Easy Solo Example for Alto Sax

This piece, included on the classic album Song for My Father released in January 1965, has secured an unshakable place as a jazz standard.

Pianist Horace Silver composed it as a tribute to his father from Cape Verde, inspired by a 1964 trip to Brazil.

Its uniquely Latin-tinged, wistful bass line is unforgettable after a single listen, and it’s also known for being quoted in Steely Dan’s hit Rikki Don’t Lose That Number.

With its simple structure and memorable melody, it’s a perfect choice for those just starting to play jazz.

For piano performance, first stabilize the distinctive left-hand bass pattern; from there, you’ll progress more quickly by developing a feel for letting the right-hand melody sing freely over it.

All BluesMiles Davis

Miles Davis – All Blues (Audio) (Official Audio)

All Blues – Miles Davis EASY Jazz Piano Tutorial

Nicknamed “The Emperor,” trumpeter Miles Davis continually revolutionized the jazz world.

His August 1959 release, the album Kind of Blue, is cherished worldwide as a monument of modal jazz.

The piece included here is a blues in 6/8 time—simple enough for jazz beginners to tackle, yet profound enough to make seasoned pros nod in admiration.

It’s also a session staple, so it’s definitely a tune worth learning.

When you play it, don’t just follow the score—let yourself sink into the distinctive sense of weightless motion created by the repeating bass line.

Cultivating an awareness of space will be your first step toward a cool, Miles-like performance!

Cold Duck TimeEddie Harris

Eddie Harris – Cold Duck Time – Live at Montreux 1969

Cold Duck Time (Eddie Harris) – Easy Solo Example for Alto Sax

When it comes to funky, dance-inducing instrumental numbers, this composition by Eddie Harris is the standout.

A powerful, rock-like riff intertwines with a soulful saxophone, making your heart leap just by listening.

It’s included on the classic album “Swiss Movement,” released in October 1969, which captures the electrifying live performance in Switzerland as it happened.

It’s also known for being featured in the TV series Bates Motel.

With its simple structure and easy-to-remember chord progression, it’s a perfect pick for those looking to dive into jazz improvisation.

Start by listening repeatedly to the distinctive bass-line riff to internalize the groove, then get a feel for laying your own phrases freely on top—that’s the fastest path to improvement!

Stella by StarlightVictor Young

Miles Davis – Stella by Starlight (Audio) (Official Audio)

Stella by Starlight – Easy Solo Example for Alto Sax

This work is marked by a romantic melody that evokes whispering of love under starlight.

Originally, it was an instrumental piece composed by Victor Young as the theme for the 1944 Paramount film “The Uninvited.” Lyrics were later added by Ned Washington, and today it is widely cherished as a jazz standard.

After being first recorded by Victor Young’s own orchestra in August 1945, Harry James’s performance also became a hit.

Its rich harmonies—featuring smooth voice leading and modulations—are characteristic, making it ideal for studying the distinctive sound of jazz.

To begin, why not play it as a relaxed ballad, letting the melody sing?

Autumn leavesJoseph Kosma

Autumn Leaves

[Autumn Leaves ①] Easy Chord Playing: A Jazz-Style Left-Hand Technique You Can Try Right Away – For Piano Beginners

Composed in France by Hungarian-born Joseph Kosma, Autumn Leaves—known in Japan as Kareha—is a standard number widely loved by jazz beginners and veterans alike.

Written in 1945 with French lyrics by Jacques Prévert, the song poignantly captures the themes of love and the changing seasons.

For jazz newcomers in particular, its melody is easy to play and ideal for learning fundamental jazz phrases and expression.

Cherished by jazz greats such as Bill Evans and Cannonball Adderley, this piece is a perfect gateway for beginners to experience the allure of jazz and refine their musical sensibilities.

As the weather turns cold, why not step into the deep world of jazz while playing this heartwarming melody?

Someday My Prince Will ComeFrank Churchill

Bill Evans Trio – Someday My Prince Will Come (Official Visualizer)

Someday My Prince Will Come – Frank Churchill | Piano Tutorial (EASY) | WITH Music Sheet | JCMS

An insert song from the 1937 film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” it portrays the heart of a young maiden dreaming of a happy future where a prince comes to meet her.

Composed by Frank Churchill, this piece has been beloved by many renowned musicians and has continued to be performed as a jazz standard.

Set in a lilting 3/4 waltz, it features a gracefully flowing melody and is packed with essential elements for learning jazz improvisation.

The chord progression is relatively straightforward, making it enjoyable to practice—while feeling the unique sway of a waltz—even for those just starting an instrument.

Begin at a relaxed tempo, let each note resonate with care, and try to express its romantic world.