As you go through the exercises
As you are working through these exercises, you’re probably going to find that near the ends of the range I cover in the exercises, things don’t always resolve perfectly or turn around in perfect numbers of notes, or cover the whole range of your instrument.
Use these pages as a guide and learn to play the scales and exercises in ways that feel musical to you – different rhythms and the like. This way, they’ll become part of your musical language.
Review: F# minor scales and 3rd exercises
Review the scale and in intervals of thirds. Strive for evenness and accuracy.
Do: D and F pentatonic scales and 3rds
The pentatonics are what I believe to be the “core” of the notes in the scale that are fundamental for jamming and improvising over major and minor keys. Learn them well.
Review: F# arpeggio exercises.
F# is a key with lots of sharps, and when reading these chords, a LOT of accidentals, too. Keep in mind, though, that the point of these exercises is to learn to read in every key. And play in every key.
Do: Eb arpeggio exercises
Definitely one of the more difficult keys for wind instruments – especially woodwinds like saxophone. But there are times you’ll be glad you practiced them!
