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Intermediate tenor sax sheet music for "Ballade" by Elvin Jones, in D major at about 53 BPM. Transcribed from the track by Songscription. Available as an easy beginner, intermediate, or advanced arrangement.

Intermediate Tenor Sax Sheet Music for "Ballade" by Elvin Jones

Preview of the intermediate tenor sax sheet music arrangement for “Ballade” by Elvin Jones.

Ballade by Elvin Jones
Tenor Sax Sheet Music

B♭ transposingTreble clefMid-staff range

The tenor sax part reads from treble clef, arranged to sit naturally for the instrument. It is a B♭ transposing instrument.

Difficulty

Intermediate

For players comfortable with the basics.

Inside the music
Signature

Music DNA

Genrejazz · jazz ballad · jazz improvisation
Moodmelancholic · reflective
Signaturesolo saxophone improvisation, intimate jazz ballad
D major
Key
53
BPM
2/4
Time
Chords

The progression

E
Ghdim7
F♯maj7
A♭
C♯
Dm7
G7
Cm
Form

Structure & dynamics

IntroSolo saxophone improvisationOutro
Instrumentation

What's in the mix

saxophone
lead melodic voice, expressive phrasing, improvisational lines
piano
harmonic support, subtle voicings, occasional comping
bass
warm, walking bassline, grounding the harmony
drums
brushes and light cymbal work, providing a gentle swing feel
Album & artist
ALBUM

Dear John C. (1965)

Recorded for the Impulse! label, this album is a tribute to John Coltrane, featuring alto saxophonist Charlie Mariano alongside pianist Roland Hanna and bassist Richard Davis. Jones steps back from the spotlight here, letting Mariano carry most of the lead lines while the group plays with a quiet, cohesive teamwork that makes it one of the stronger entries in Jones's catalog as a leader.

All of Dear John C.
Artist

Elvin Jones

Elvin Jones was a jazz drummer from Pontiac, Michigan, born in 1927 into a musical family that included his brothers Hank and Thad, both celebrated jazz musicians. He played in the post-bop tradition and built a reputation for a forceful polyrhythmic style, combining different meters across his hands and feet into a shifting, propulsive feel. He is best remembered as a member of John Coltrane's classic quartet in the early 1960s, and later led his own groups under the name the Elvin Jones Jazz Machine until his death in 2004.

All Elvin Jones songs
How it works

From a recording to your part in three steps

  1. Step 1
    Bring the recording

    Paste a YouTube link or upload an audio file, the studio cut, a live take, or a cover.

  2. Step 2
    We transcribe it

    Our model listens and arranges this exact performance for tenor sax, at your chosen level.

  3. Step 3
    Play & export

    Read it on screen, transpose, slow it down, and export the sheet music when it feels right.

Ready to play it?

Start from any recording, your tenor sax sheet music in minutes.

FAQ

Good to know

What key is "Ballade" in?

"Ballade" by Elvin Jones is in D major.

What is the tempo of "Ballade"?

"Ballade" plays at around 53 BPM in 2/4 time.

What chords are in "Ballade"?

The core progression is E, Ghdim7, F♯maj7, A♭, C♯, and Dm7, built around the D major tonal center.

What instruments play on "Ballade"?

The recording features saxophone, piano, bass, and drums.

Can I get "Ballade" tenor sax sheet music?

Yes. This is the intermediate tenor sax sheet music arrangement of "Ballade" by Elvin Jones, transcribed by Songscription.

Is "Ballade" tenor sax sheet music easy to play?

"Ballade" tenor sax sheet music comes in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, so there is an easy version to start with. At 53 BPM in D major with 42 chords to navigate, the part sits at a comfortable intermediate level. You can switch levels on this page before you save it.

Is there an easy, beginner version of "Ballade" tenor sax sheet music?

Yes. The beginner tenor sax sheet music for "Ballade" simplifies the busiest passages and rhythms while keeping the melody, so it is the easiest way to start. The intermediate and advanced arrangements are one tap away when you want more of the original.

What album is "Ballade" on?

"Ballade" appears on Dear John C. (1965).

How does Songscription turn a song into sheet music?

Give it a recording, a YouTube link or an audio file, and its AI transcribes that performance into notation for the instrument and level you choose.

Can I get sheet music for a live or cover version?

Yes. The score is generated from whatever recording you pick, so a live take, a remix, or a cover each match that exact performance.

What instruments and formats are available?

Piano, guitar, violin, trumpet, sax, bass, drums, vocals and more, as standard sheet music, a piano roll, or guitar tabs.

Is Songscription free to use?

You can try it free, with no credit card needed.

Can I download the sheet music as a PDF?

Yes. You get a downloadable PDF, plus in-app playback and the option to transpose or adjust the arrangement before you print.

How accurate is the transcription?

It is produced by AI trained on millions of bars of music, and you can play it back and fine-tune any details before you download.

Is this transcription licensed?

Yes. We have licensed this track from its publisher, so we are permitted to transcribe it and provide the sheet music to you.

Transcribed from licensed catalogs by AI trained on millions of bars of music.

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