In the 3 videos below I play a scale exercise for 3 jazz standards. I picked Autumn Leaves, All the Things You Are and All of Me as examples. Guitar tabs are included in the videos.
Guitar Tabs as PDFs:
Autumn Leaves
Originally a French song titled “Les Feuilles Mortes”, Autumn Leaves was composed by Joseph Kosma with lyrics by Jacques Prévert in 1945. English lyrics were later added by Johnny Mercer. The song became a jazz standard, recorded by many artists, including Nat King Cole, Chet Baker, and Miles Davis. One of the most famous instrumental versions was performed by Cannonball Adderley with Miles Davis on the album Somethin’ Else (1958).
All the Things You Are
Composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, All the Things You Are was written for the 1939 musical Very Warm for May. Its intricate harmonic structure has made it a favorite among jazz musicians. The song has been recorded by Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as modern interpretations by Keith Jarrett and Michael Brecker.
All of Me
Written in 1931 by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons, All of Me quickly became a popular jazz standard. It was first recorded by Belle Baker and later gained widespread recognition through recordings by Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. The song has been interpreted by countless jazz greats, including Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and Django Reinhardt.
Why Practice Scales?
Playing scales over the chord changes of jazz standards helps develop a strong melodic and harmonic foundation. This allows musicians to navigate complex progressions with confidence. By internalizing scales that correspond to each chord, players gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between harmony and melody, improving their improvisational fluency. Scales are a structured way to outline chord tones, avoid dissonance, and create smooth voice leading, making solos more cohesive and expressive. Additionally, practicing scales over changes enhances fingerboard awareness and ear training, enabling musicians to react intuitively to harmonic shifts in real-time performance.