Guitarist Shreds Country-Fried Version of John Coltrane's "Giant Steps"

Here's a video that's been burning up the internet—and a maple Tele fretboard—for awhile. It's jazz legend John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" played "cowboy style" by guitarist Lars Schurse.

Best of all, Lars packs all his fretwork fireworks into about a minute and a half—in both cases. Be sure to check out both performances below, plus a bonus clip of Coltrane's version of "Giant Steps" for reference.

"Giant Steps" is the lead-off and title track off Coltrane's classic 1960 album. The disc, the late jazz master's first for Atlantic Records, was his breakthrough album as a band leader.

For more clips by Lars, check out his YouTube channel.

Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He's written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'The Complete Epic Recordings Collection' (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn's The Gas House Gorillas, was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron, a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums. He now plays in two NYC-area bands.