THE COLTRANE EXPRESS NEXT STOP: GIANT STEPS A method by Frank Pilato “Not just a method, but a thrilling journey through one of the most iconic jazz tunes of all time.” Have you always dreamed of truly understanding Giant Steps? You’ve tried to study it countless times… but those chord changes still feel like a maze? “The Coltrane Express” is the method that finally unlocks the hidden logic behind John Coltrane’s masterpiece. Born from real students’ requests, this book offers a clear, practical, and musical approach to one of the most complex tunes in modern jazz history. You won’t find abstract theory here — just a step-by-step journey that guides you through the harmony, the patterns, and the sound of Giant Steps. Inside you’ll find: • 🎼 Complete harmonic analysis and triadic structures used by Coltrane. • 🎸 Practical exercises and digital patterns to develop fluency through the Coltrane Changes. • 🧠 A progressive approach — from simple triads to advanced phrasing concepts. • 🎧 Musical examples and two original solos, explained note by note. • 🔍 A method that combines theory, logic, and sound, written by a working musician who lives and teaches this language every day. With The Coltrane express, you’ll discover that Giant Steps isn’t a wall — it’s a door to a new way of thinking about harmony, the guitar, and modern jazz improvisation. 👉 Turn your fear of Giant Steps into your greatest musical breakthrough. Renowned jazz-fusion guitarist Frank Pilato will be by your side step by step, showing you how to tackle Giant Steps with technique, precision, and an irresistible melodic flow. INSIDE YOU’LL FIND: MuseScore files – to adjust the tempo and follow every note in tab and standard notation Printable PDFs – to study anywhere, anytime Complete backing tracks to practice as if you were on stage! Scales, arpeggios, patterns, phrases, modal substitutions, “outside” solutions, chord-melody, and much more, rhythmic figures and everything you need to truly master Giant Steps. Turn jazz’s greatest challenge into your greatest achievement; the entire manual is in ENGLISH.

This method presents 20 exercises designed to develop technical control and melodic fluency over the II–V–I progression, one of the pillars of modern harmony. Each study is written in standard notation and tablature (TAB) for direct and practical application on the instrument. Below every score, a detailed explanation clarifies the melodic, harmonic, and technical ideas, creating a seamless link between theory and performance. The material explores the II–V–I progression in depth, introducing non-diatonic modal substitutions on the V chord to expand harmonic color and expression. All exercises are meant to be transposed into all twelve keys, ensuring a complete and flexible command of the progression. The method suits jazz, rock, fusion, and modern players, offering both solid technical study and creative freedom. Each exercise functions as a short melodic etude, musical, practical, and designed to refine both technique and phrasing. Study Agenda 1. Start slowly: practice each exercise at a low tempo, paying attention to tone, timing, and articulation. 2. Read and analyze: follow the explanations under each score to understand how every melodic line relates to its harmonic background. 3. Gradually increase speed: once the notes and phrasing feel comfortable, bring the tempo up while maintaining control. 4. Transpose to all keys: play every study in all twelve keys to internalize shapes, fingerings, and harmonic functions. 2 5. Use the backing tracks on MuseScore: each of the 20 II–V–I exercises comes with its own built-in backing track on MuseScore. Practice directly with these play-along tracks, slow down the tempo, loop difficult sections, and work on your time and phrasing in real context. 6. Experiment with styles: interpret the same material using swing, straight, rock, or funk grooves to strengthen stylistic versatility. 7. Integrate the ideas: apply the melodic and harmonic concepts in solos, improvisations, and compositions to make them part of your natural vocabulary. This method is a comprehensive and practical journey through the II–V–I progression, guiding you from technical precision to musical expression and from study to performance. Frank Pilato