John Coltrane revolutionized Jazz Harmony with his Coltrane Changes by substituting the ii-V-I progression with a cycle of fast changing key centres that are a major 3rd apart*. This creates a very *rich harmonic landscape and colourful ways to improvise. This groundbreaking harmonic system is known by the name “*Coltrane Cycle*”, “*Coltrane Matrix*” and “*Coltrane changes*”. The technique cam e to a climax on the “*Giant Steps*” album in the title Song and in the song “*Countdown*”. This tutorial is all about the harmonic structure and harmonic music theory where I show you what it is, how to use it and how to start improvising using the Coltrane Matrix.

Level 5 (of 6)

Tablature, diagrams, examples and backing tracks will be available on my Patreon page: Patreon: QJamTracks

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:39 All about John Coltrane
1:57 The concept of Coltrane Changes
04:45 Tonicization! (adding the V-I)
6:15 Adding the ii-V
8:19 The Coltrane Changes
10:14 Improvising over the Coltrane Changes
12:18 Giant Steps Analysis
14:30 Final Thoughts

Crystal Clear E-BOOKS with audio files:
https://qjamtracks.shopify.com
*Tabs and tracks at PATREON:
Patreon: Qjamtracks
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(c)2025 Rob van Hal, Netherlands