How to improvise with a Paul Desmond minor scale lick for Alto and Tenor sax.

In this tutorial, we’re going to explore a classic Paul Desmond lick from his solo on "Black Orpheus." This phrase is quintessential Desmond—smooth, melodic, and full of subtle sophistication. We’ll start by breaking down the lick to fully understand its structure and nuances, then work through it in all 12 keys for both alto and tenor sax.

Taking a phrase through all 12 keys is a powerful exercise that not only helps you internalise the lick but also strengthens your overall musicianship. By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a deeper understanding of Desmond’s style and greater flexibility in applying this lick to your own improvisations.

So grab your sax, and let’s get started as we break down and explore this beautiful Desmond phrase in every key!

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