Canadian Musician - September/October 2020 | Page 25

GUITAR
Hal Rodriguez is a musician, writer, and educator. For lessons and transcriptions, follow him on Instagram @jazzscriber.
By Hal Rodriguez
Small Steps to "Giant Steps"
I
recently transcribed John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” solo and found
a simple way to improvise over it for beginner and intermediate
jazz guitarists.
The tune has a reputation for being one of the hardest standards
to solo over because of its fast tempo and multiple key changes;
however, as I transcribed it, I discovered that Coltrane used a few melodic
patterns repeatedly to navigate the changes in an easy and elegant way.
In this lesson, I’d like to share two recurring patterns in his solo that
use only the Root, 2 nd , and 3 rd of every chord. If you’ve ever wondered how
to improvise over an intimidating tune like “Giant Steps,” these patterns
will help you get started.
First Steps
The first Coltrane pattern is to play the Root, 3 rd , 2 nd , and Root of each
chord in that order (1-3-2-1). In Ex. 1, I apply this pattern to the first three
bars of “Giant Steps.” Notice how this four-note pattern creates a stream
of eighth notes that are easy to play, outlines the changes, and fits the
duration of each chord. Also take note of the different fingerings I use to
play this pattern. This helps for outlining the changes without making
large leaps, so it’s easier for playing at fast tempos.
The second Coltrane pattern is to play the 3 rd , Root, 2 nd , and 3 rd of each
chord (3-1-2-3) as demonstrated in Ex. 2. I suggest practicing both patterns
over the rest of “Giant Steps” at a slow tempo and on other areas
of the guitar neck.
The fun really begins when you start chaining these two patterns in succession
as Coltrane does. In Ex. 3, I alternate between playing 3-1-2-3 and
1-3-2-1. Notice how this sounds more musical and less predictable than
just playing the same pattern over every chord. It’s also easier to play
than Ex. 1 and 2 as the next note in each successive chord is often just
one fret away. Again, I recommend alternating these patterns over the
rest of the tune at a slow tempo.
Although there are other strategies for soloing over “Giant Steps,” Coltrane’s
patterns are a simple and musical way to get started. Since they
involve only four notes, they are easier to use mentally and technically
in the beginning than scales. Even if you never plan on playing “Giant
Steps” live, practicing these patterns will increase your knowledge of
the guitar neck and confidence for playing over other jazz standards.
EX.1
EX.2
EX.3
CANADIAN MUSICIAN 25