Got this question from Robert on facebook the other day:

Any help with my improvisation on the sax? Where do u start?

I would suggest you learn the blues form and some melodies of blues tunes. Get an Aebersold book like Maiden Voyage, and play along. Another important part is just to listen to the kind of music you want to play and improvise in.

Knowing the blues form is important since it came before jazz and is still an important aspect in many jazz tunes.

In its most simple form, the blues only has three chords too.  So you won’t get too lost in complex harmonies.

Becoming a better improviser on saxophone has a lot to do with experimentation.  John Coltrane wasn’t playing Giant Steps when he picked up the saxophone, he developed as a musician.