Giant Steps is a landmark jazz tune by John Coltrane and the title track of his 1960 album Giant Steps. The album, Coltrane’s first as a leader for Atlantic Records, was recorded in 1959 and released in January or February 1960. The tune is famous for its fast 16-bar form and the Giant Steps chord progression - Coltrane changes - which moves through key centers a major third apart. Coltrane’s improvisation on the piece is associated with his sheets of sound approach and the use of third-related chord movements that challenged players and helped push modern jazz forward. The track features 26 chord changes and is often used as a rigorous practice piece and a gateway to advanced improvisation. The Giant Steps album also includes pieces named after Coltrane’s family, such as Naima, Syeeda’s Song Flute, Cousin Mary, and Mr. P.C. This album is widely regarded as highly influential in jazz, was added to the National Recording Registry in 2004, and achieved gold status in 2018.
