{"id":2743,"date":"2015-11-06T12:01:59","date_gmt":"2015-11-06T11:01:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jazzguitar.be\/blog\/?p=2743"},"modified":"2026-05-30T13:41:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-30T11:41:40","slug":"take-five-solo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jazzguitar.be\/blog\/take-five-solo\/","title":{"rendered":"Take Five Solo – 5 Paul Desmond Licks For Guitar"},"content":{"rendered":"

Take Five is known for its famous alto saxophone solo, played by Paul Desmond on the 1959 recording with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Desmond\u2019s playing is melodic and relaxed, relying on strong phrasing and repetition rather than\u00a0flashy technique. This makes his solo a great example for anyone who wants to learn how to develop melodic ideas in jazz improvisation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Paul<\/p>\n

In this lesson, you\u2019ll learn five licks that form most of Paul Desmond\u2019s solo, as well as the Eb Dorian scale shapes you\u2019ll use to play them on guitar.<\/p>\n

Instead of sharing a full transcription of the solo, I broke it down into five licks that cover almost the whole improvisation.<\/p>\n

The solo stays in the Eb Dorian mode the entire time, showing how much you can do with simple material by using phrasing, rhythm, and melodic changes.<\/p>\n

Also check out our lesson on Take Five chords<\/a> and the 5\/4 groove.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span>\n

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