Developing Improvisation skills with the Alto Sax?

Question: Developing Improvisation skills with the Alto Sax!?

What is the best way to learn this skill!? I'd like to be able to play melodies from the radio like 'Brass Monkey' from the Beastie Boys!.

I have been told you have to practice scales and chords until you are blue in the face!

Your input would be greatly appreciated!. Thanks!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Learning improv skills is one of the hardest things to do on an instrument!. I would suggest learning your theory backwards and forwards!. This will allow you to break up chords, memorize key signatures, and improvise all the time!. Learning your scales also helps but is involved with theory!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

jamey aebersold jazz books are great, lots of exercises and the playalong CDs are great for ear training!. there are a ton of books in the series, start with #1 How to Play Jazz and Improvise, and #2 Nothin' But Blues, and then you can go in any order you like!. They are about $15 each and well worth the price!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Like someone said: learn theory!.

also, learn a format that you can follow!. Learn a couple of progressions that you like and follow that but in different keys!. Switch it around a bit!. Practic what your going to improvise and then go beyond that when you get out there!. Improvisation should never be "completely" improvised!.Www@QuestionHome@Com