Why ‘Take Five’ Is Essential for Jazz Saxophonists
Take Five is one of the most recognisable saxophone solos in jazz history. Even non-jazz listeners know its hypnotic 5/4 groove and Paul Desmond’s smooth, lyrical alto saxophone tone. It became the best-selling jazz single of all time, propelling Dave Brubeck’s band to worldwide fame.
For our this Transcription Project, we’ll break down Desmond’s legendary solo, focusing on his phrasing, articulation, and signature sound.
How to Approach This Transcription
🎷 Don’t use a lead sheet – Train your ear by transcribing directly from the recording.
⏳ Take your time – Even learning one bar accurately is a win.
👂 Listen carefully to Desmond’s tone – His sound is unique, and matching it is just as important as getting the notes right.
🎼 Tenor players: You’ll need to either drop the bridge (B section) an octave or tackle it in altissimo register.
What You’ll Gain from This Project
✅ Develop your ear by transcribing without written music.
✅ Improve your phrasing and tone by matching Desmond’s articulation.
✅ Learn how to phrase naturally in 5/4 time, a rare but valuable jazz skill.
We’ll break the solo down into sections, working slowly and focusing on detail. Get ready to dive into one of jazz’s most famous solos!
