Embodiments for providing fast modulation and coding scheme adaptation for LTE regardless of transmission using single-user multiple-input and multiple-output (SU-MIMO) or multiple-user multiple-input and multiple-output are generally described herein. In some embodiments, channel state information reference signals are sent to user equipment by a node. First channel quality indication feedback based on the channel state information reference signals is received from the user equipment. Physical downlink shared channel data and demodulation reference signals are transmitted using a first modulation and coding scheme based on the first channel quality indication feedback. Second channel quality indication feedback based on measurements performed by the user equipment on the demodulation reference signals is received by a node. Physical downlink shared channel data is transmitted using a second modulation and coding scheme based on the second channel quality indication feedback.