10 best Jazz solos for beginners to learn (volume 1) list of solos

1) Tex Beneke - "Little Brown Jug" (1939)
This short but masterful Tenor Sax improvisation on "Little Brown Jug" (Glenn Miller) is a textbook example of how to craft a concise jazz solo using just three chords. Perfect for newcomers, this 16-bar gem offers a masterclass in swing phrasing and note choice. Every rhythm and note feels intentional, almost as if pre-composed, making it ideal for studying how to construct a tight, logical solo.

2) Chet Baker - "Summertime" (1955)
In this three-chorus solo on Gershwin's classic "Summertime," Chet Baker delivers a masterclass in elegance and economy. His laid-back West Coast phrasing is easily understandable yet deeply expressive. The melody feels as though Chet is singing through his trumpet, making it a perfect study for those looking to learn how to play melodically within a jazz context.


3) Danny Polo - "When Day is Done" (1940)
This clarinet solo from Coleman Hawkins' All-Star Octet is as majestic as they come. Danny Polo’s performance is clear, logical, and highly accessible, making it an excellent study piece for jazz students. The relaxed swing tempo allows every phrase to breathe, offering timeless ideas that are as relevant today as they were in 1940.


4) Miles Davis - "So What" (1959)
Miles Davis’ solo on “So What” from *Kind of Blue* is arguably the most seminal solo in jazz history. As a pioneer of modal jazz, Miles plays over two simple Dorian chords but fills the space with profound emotion and creativity. This solo is an essential study in how to approach modal improvisation, teaching us how to create depth and nuance over minimal harmonic structures, making it invaluable for understanding modal jazz.

5) Gerry Mulligan - "The Catwalk" (1960)
This baritone sax solo is a classic example of the cool, West Coast jazz approach. Mulligan’s thematic development, bluesy phrases, and elegant lines make it a masterclass in both global and local improvisational concepts. His balance between grounded, bluesy roots and sophisticated artistry offers a perfect model for aspiring jazz musicians.

6) Paul Desmond - "Take 5" (1959)
Paul Desmond’s alto sax solo on "Take 5" is a masterpiece in thematic development, proving that you can create profound musical statements even over a simple two-chord vamp. His thoughtful, succulent phrasing throughout the iconic 5/4 meter makes this an ideal study for jazz students.

7) Lester Young - "Lady Be Good" (1936)
Lester Young’s two-chorus solo on "Lady Be Good" is a masterclass in rhythm, phrasing, and swing. His effortless bounce and uncanny sense of timing are years ahead of his time, making this solo a vital study for jazz students looking to master the feel of swing and the precision of note choice teaching you how to infuse your playing with energy and flow.


8) Sidney Bechet - "Honeysuckle Rose" (1949)
Sidney Bechet’s fervent clarinet solo on "Honeysuckle Rose" is a tour de force of rhythm and passion. His deep connection to the beat and the impeccable jazz language he employs make this a prime study for understanding the primal importance of rhythm in jazz. Bechet’s powerful lines trace and embellish the harmony with simplicity and grace.

9) Louis Armstrong - "Struttin' with Some Barbecue" (1927)
This early jazz classic showcases Armstrong’s groundbreaking approach to improvisation. Even though recorded in 1927, this solo feels ahead of its time with its flawless phrasing and timing. Studying this solo will challenge jazz students to match Armstrong’s precision, accuracy, and verve, especially at the original upbeat tempo.

10) Benny Goodman - "Grand Slam" (1940)
Benny Goodman’s two-chorus blues solo on "Grand Slam" is a deceptively simple yet wickedly cool example of classic bluesy phrasing. The solo is full of textbook blues lines, making it a delight for beginners to sink their teeth into. Its straightforward, fun approach makes it a great entry point for understanding blues in jazz. This solo offers a fun and accessible way to understand the relationship between jazz and the blues.


11) Charlie Christian - "Grand Slam" (1940)**
Charlie Christian’s ferocious solo on "Grand Slam" is a powerhouse of precision and attitude. Not a single note is out of place, and Christian seamlessly mixes blues with jazz, creating a devastatingly effective blend. This solo is a must-study for understanding how to inject energy and authority into your improvisation.
 Christian’s solo teaches you how to combine blues and jazz with attitude, pushing your playing to new levels of confidence.