![[Beginner] Start with this song! A collection of practice tunes for jazz beginners](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/UOLEEkYO4MA/maxresdefault.webp)
[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!
[For Beginners] Start with this song! A collection of practice pieces for jazz beginners (1–10)
MistyNEW!Erroll Garner
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 FatherNEW!Horace Silver
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 BluesNEW!Miles Davis
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 TimeNEW!Eddie Harris
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 StarlightNEW!Victor Young
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?
Take the “A” TrainNEW!Billy Strayhorn
Set in the New York City subway, this piece has continued to be loved worldwide as a jazz standard.
Composed by Billy Strayhorn in 1939 and recorded by the Duke Ellington Orchestra in February 1941, it became the ensemble’s signature theme.
There’s also a well-known anecdote that the title came from a note showing directions to Ellington’s home.
In Japan, it was featured in the film “Swing Girls,” and its lively swing feel has captivated many listeners.
When you take on performing it, it’s important to have a firm grasp of the basic AABA form.
Start by playing the simple melody as if you’re singing it, and try to feel the distinctive rhythms of jazz.
What Is This Thing Called LoveNEW!Cole 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!