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Dorian mode jam with a key change in the middle of the solo! Dorian licks Guitar Lesson – EP505

Description

In this week’s guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to convert the minor pentatonic scale into Dorian mode and how to use it when jamming. You’ll also learn how to change keys in the middle of the solo.

Part 1 - Free Guitar Lesson

Part 2 - For Premium Members

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Slow Walkthrough

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Comments

  9. Brian L says

    From one Brian to another, this is maybe my favorite lesson you’ve posted so far. Curious, when you recorded the jam track for this one, what came first? The lead inspired the jam track, or the jam track inspire the lead?

      • Anthony H says

        I’ve always been a bit of a cowboy rhythm player and I have to slow all this stuff down to the 40% mode on the tab thingy before I get it right however since joining the group my ability to improvise and play lead has improved massively, at least my mates are impressed, normally playing at the 40% speed makes everything sound a bit weird until I can get up to speed, this tune however sounds awesome at this slow speed, very swampy.

  11. Paul M says

    Brian, within this wonderful lesson you have given us stations-as in places to get off and explore. ( I cannot play lead so I was excited at the sound that I thought that I could potentially create). When you arrived at the first introduction of the Dorian notes it occurred to me that I could stop there and work with what you had notated as well as just playing around in that area over the Bm chord ( or move to Am, or Dm and use the same patterns).
    So many licks and valuable runs that can be used in other ways. A great extension to what we have been working with.
    Thanks again for your generosity of spirit.

  14. Daniel H says

    Brian- From a compositional perspective, why did you choose to change key to C#m from the original Bm? Is there a “rule of thumb” or theory based reason or you simply liked the way it sounded?

  16. Bill B says

    I love love love that guitar! Where did you say you got it from again? I remember you introducing it a while back, but can’t remember which lesson.
    And a fantastic lesson as well… I look forward to diving into this one!

  20. Jerry J says

    It is because I do not see patterns, which Brian often refers to, I see notes instead and how those notes relate to the chord being played. The Bminor to E 7th vamp contain the only two notes needed to define a chord. The 3rd and the 7th. B minor’s A note ( 7th fret D string) is A, the 7th of B minor and D next to it on the G string in the minor third of B. G# is the major 3rd E7th and D the minor 7th. Knowing this, in my opinion, makes more sense when jamming over a track allowing a player to bend into a minor 7th or whatever sound they are conveying. I play keys as well and theory is never taught with patterns. You have to know the notes and how they relate to the chords.

  21. Jerry J says

    The Dorian notes are the added 2nd and 6th of the B minor scale. That Major sound is coming from G# the added 6th. It is the Major 7th of A which is Dorian’s parent scale. I do not mean to steal Brian’s thunder. I think he does a fine job, which is why I am a subscriber.

  22. Ricky H says

    As someone who does not read music, I would find it helpful if you counted out the rhythm at some point. ie. 1 e & a 2 ….. I find I am often repeating over and over again the licks to grasp the beats.

  23. Sam L says

    This is so much fun to play along with! This has got some serious Phish vibes which I absolutely love. Not sure of your opinion on the band but I love them and this is sounding like the stuff the do all the time. Thank you very much for this one and all of them. Just went back to EP065. That one is amazing as well. Thanks Brian!

  29. Jeff S says

    Have been a member for a couple years now. First time comment. Really loved this lesson. Kept playing and playing it, until I got it down. Then, couldn’t stop playing it. Is “hypnotic”. Hope you do more of the Dorian mode, Brian, or similar.

  31. Will L says

    I have just found the speed training option in the sound slice tab player.
    Select the whole thing as a loop, then select “speed training” from the drop down speed menu (where the 100% is showing).
    It plays at 70% 3 times then picks up 10% for the next 3 times until it gets to 100% and my fingers fall off!
    Fab for making progress!

  33. William K says

    Having taken seriously your earlier suggestion to learn the major scale at every position I recognized that the Dorian notes you were playing for B minor were the same as the A major scale in the “D” position. I remember another lesson where the Dorian notes for E minor were the D major scale. I’m beginning to see a pattern.

  34. daniele f says

    Hi Brian
    Was wondering if at the beginning we could also call it a B dorian …
    6th fret on 4th string ?
    Also when you talk about a minor key is it always assumed to be the aeolian, natural minor ?
    Thanks in advance.
    Daniele

  43. Mike P says

    Yet another perfect lesson! On first listen I thought it sounds awesome but a bit on the difficult side. However, it’s really clicking with me and I’m nearly there with it already! Thanks Brian!

  45. chuck w says

    I don’t comment much however I want you to know how much I appreciate your explanations and helping me to expand my playing knowledge. When you break it down it really helps.
    Thanks so much.

  46. Douglas R says

    Brian
    Is this type of playing what is called ‘modal’ playing?
    My understanding is that modal playing uses different modes in different keyes rather that chord changes, as Miles Davis does in something like ‘Milestones’.
    Am I on the right track?
    Doug

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