AROUND THE BENDS, PART 3

Expanding minor pentatonic string-bending techniques to the Dorian mode

IN THE LAST two columns, we explored string bending techniques and applications on the B string, utilizing the E minor pentatonic scale (E, G, A, B, D) as our point of focus. For each note in the scale, we looked at two basic approaches: bending up to it from below, and bending down to it from above via a pre-bend and release. This month, we’ll apply this same approach to the more expansive E Dorian mode.

The term pentatonic means “five-tone,” so a pentatonic scale comprises five notes. Each of the fundamental modes — Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian — are derived from the seven-note major scale (also known as the Ionian mode), so each mode is comprised of seven notes. The Dorian mode is based on the major’s scale's 2nd degree. For example, if we start with the D major scale (D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#), the Dorian mode is formed by starting from its second note, E, and recognizing that one as the new “1,” also known as the tonic, or root note. And so the notes of E Dorian are E, F#, G, A, B, C#, and D. Intervallically, that translates to 1(root), 2, ¸3, 4, 5, 6, ¸7. FIGURE 1 illustrates the E Dorian mode played entirely on the B string.

Let’s now apply the approach of bending up to or down to each note of E Dorian on this single string: In FIGURE 2, we begin with the first fretted scale tone on the string, C#. C#

One option is to bend up to from one fret below, C, and use this technique as a means of developing an improvised phrase. As demonstrated in FIGURE 3, one can also

C# bend up to by pushing down on the open B string from the nut, which is a technique Jimi Hendrix used often in his improvised solos.

We can then proceed up the string to each note of E Dorian. FIGURE 4 begins with the note D and illustrates an improvised lick that incorporates a half-step bend from one fret below. FIGURE 5 begins with a fretted E note followed by a whole-step bend from D to E and then a release back to the unbent D note, which serves to kick off the remainder of the phrase.

In FIGURE 6, we bend up to E from D#, one fret below, and in FIGURE 7, we bend back to E by first silently bending up a

F#, whole step to via a pre-bend. A good exercise is to sound each note of E Dorian using bending techniques while ascending the string, as demonstrated in FIGURE 8.

Now that you have the idea, try devising a series of original improvised phrases that are built from these types of bends, and add some decorative finger vibratos to the held notes, as shown in FIGURE 9. See you next month!

Guitar World Associate Editor Andy Aledort is recognized worldwide for his vast contributions to guitar instruction, via his many best-selling instructional DVDs, transcription books and online lessons.