Elliot Kim
The guitar solo in Steely Dan's Do It Again is performed by Denny Dias and is known for its distinctive, otherworldly sound. Dias uses an early ring modulator to create this effect, along with fluid phrasing, unique melodic choices, and an impeccable sense of timing. The song features subtle harmonic overtones, adding a shimmering, bell-like texture, and Dias' solo contains precise string bends for expressive note shaping. Guitarists looking to learn this solo can find tutorials online that break down the complex chord structures, rhythmic patterns, and soloing techniques characteristic of Steely Dan's music.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Key | G minor |
| Scale | G natural minor |
| Guitarist | Denny Dias |
| Guitar | Sitar-like electric guitar |
| Effects | Early ring modulator |
| Style | Fluid phrasing, unique melodic choices, impeccable sense of timing |
| Techniques | Precise string bends, controlled bending |
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What You'll Learn
Guitarists who have played Do It Again
"Do It Again" is a song composed and performed by the American rock group Steely Dan, released in 1972. The song features an electric sitar solo by guitarist Denny Dias, who was not fond of the instrument he used for the solo. Dias described the Danelectro/Coral electric sitar as a "piece of crap" rental guitar that wouldn't drone. Despite Dias' dissatisfaction with the instrument, his solo on "Do It Again" is considered iconic and is one of the most well-known aspects of the song.
In addition to Denny Dias' electric sitar solo, "Do It Again" also features a "plastic organ" solo performed by Donald Fagen on a Yamaha YC-30 with a sliding pitch-bending control. Fagen was the vocalist and keyboardist for Steely Dan, and his use of the Yamaha YC-30 contributed to the unique sound of the song.
While Dias and Fagen are the most notable musicians on "Do It Again" when it comes to guitar work, it's worth mentioning that Steely Dan had other talented guitarists as part of their lineup over the years. One such guitarist is Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, who is known for his work with the band and his influence on their sound.
David Palmer also fronted the band during their live shows and sang "Do It Again" when the group performed. While Palmer may not have played the guitar solo on the recording, he was a key part of the band's live performances and helped bring the song to life on stage.
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The song's scale and key
Steely Dan's "Do It Again" is a song that has captivated guitarists with its intricate solo and unique sound. Performed by Denny Dias, the guitar solo in "Do It Again" stands out for its sitar-like quality, created using an early ring modulator. This effect, combined with Dias' fluid phrasing, melodic choices, and impeccable timing, gives the solo its distinctive character.
When it comes to the scale and key of the song, some guitarists on Reddit have weighed in with their opinions. One comment suggests that the song is in the key of G minor and that the solo is played in the G natural minor scale. This analysis is based on the belief that the song's characteristic sound can be attributed to a sitar pedal.
However, others have noted that Denny Dias' playing style incorporates a mix of modal and pentatonic licks. This blend of modes and pentatonic scales adds a level of complexity to the solo, making it challenging to replicate without learning it note for note. Dias' approach showcases his versatility and mastery of the fretboard, as he seamlessly weaves together different scales and techniques to create a cohesive and captivating solo performance.
While the key and scale of the solo in "Do It Again" may be up for interpretation, it is undeniable that the song serves as an excellent learning tool for guitarists. By studying this song, players can enhance their understanding of complex chord structures, improve their finger dexterity through arpeggiated chord movements, and develop more sophisticated phrasing and musical vocabulary.
Additionally, "Do It Again" provides valuable insights into jazz-influenced harmony. The song's subtle harmonic overtones and use of precise string bends showcase the importance of proper harmonic execution in achieving a dynamic and expressive guitar performance. Dias' solo is a testament to his ability to seamlessly integrate jazz-influenced articulation into a rock context, inspiring guitarists to explore new dimensions of sound and technique.
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Jazz fusion phrasing
Jazz fusion, also known as jazz-rock fusion, is a genre of music that combines jazz harmony and improvisation with rock, funk, soul, rhythm and blues. It typically features electric instruments such as guitars, basses, amplifiers, and keyboards. Jazz fusion places a strong emphasis on groove, exploration, energy, electricity, intensity, virtuosity, and volume.
The development of jazz fusion can be traced back to the late 1960s, when musicians began to blend elements of jazz with other genres. During this time, rock music was gaining popularity, and jazz was facing a decline in audience interest. Jazz musicians sought to incorporate the electric instruments and amplified sound of rock while retaining the improvisational and harmonic elements of jazz.
Pioneers of jazz fusion, such as Miles Davis, embraced electric instruments, including guitars, keyboards, and basses. Davis' albums "In a Silent Way" and "Bitches Brew" are considered landmark recordings in the genre, showcasing a blend of free jazz, ambient music, electric instruments, and funky beats.
The guitar solo in "Do It Again" by Steely Dan is often cited as an example of jazz fusion phrasing. The solo, performed by Denny Dias, showcases a mix of modal and pentatonic licks, creating a fusion of jazz and rock influences. The use of electric guitars and the exploration of new sounds in "Do It Again" align with the core characteristics of jazz fusion.
To effectively employ jazz fusion phrasing in guitar solos or other instrumental contexts, consider the following:
- Embrace electric instruments: Jazz fusion often utilizes electric guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, and basses to create a distinctive sound. These instruments offer a wider range of tones and effects compared to their acoustic counterparts.
- Explore improvisation: Jazz fusion thrives on improvisation, allowing musicians to explore creative ideas and interact with one another in the moment. Embrace the spontaneity and freedom that improvisation brings to your playing.
- Focus on groove and rhythm: Groove is of utmost importance in jazz fusion. Create repeating rhythmic patterns and experiment with complex or unconventional time signatures to establish a solid foundation for your solos and melodies.
- Blend genres: Jazz fusion is all about blending elements from various genres. Incorporate influences from rock, funk, soul, blues, or even world music to create a unique and eclectic sound.
- Emphasize exploration and energy: Jazz fusion pioneers valued exploration, energy, and intensity. Experiment with different techniques, sounds, and styles to push the boundaries of your playing and engage your audience.
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Soloing techniques
The guitar solo in Steely Dan's "Do It Again" incorporates a range of techniques that can be applied more broadly to soloing. One notable aspect of the song is its use of arpeggiated chord movements, where the notes of a chord are played sequentially rather than strummed. This technique adds a nuanced, melodic quality to rhythm playing and improves finger dexterity. Learning to play arpeggios smoothly is an important skill for guitarists, allowing them to create a flowing, melodic sound.
Another key aspect of "Do It Again" and its solo is the use of harmonics. Properly executed harmonics enhance tone control and articulation, adding a shimmering, bell-like texture to the song. One type of harmonic is a pinch harmonic, produced by picking the string in a way that causes the side of your thumb to briefly touch the string right after the pick attack. This creates a unique, high-pitched sound that can add expression and emotion to your solo.
Vibrato is another important technique used in "Do It Again" and many other guitar solos. Vibrato involves repeatedly shifting the pitch of a note slightly, creating a fluctuating effect that adds colour and emotion to your playing. It is achieved by bending the string back and forth a quarter-tone, creating a more subtle effect than an aggressive string bend. Vibrato can help you achieve a dynamic, singing quality in your solos, similar to the expression of vocals or a violin.
Improvisation is also an important aspect of soloing. While practising scales and learning musical theory are valuable, some of the best guitar solos come from feeling and improvisation. Knowing your instrument and understanding what it is capable of will allow you to weave riffs and melodies into something that feels like a natural extension of the song. This can be applied to "Do It Again", where learning the scales and licks used by Denny Dias can provide a foundation for improvisation and personal expression.
Additionally, "Do It Again" features precise string bends, a technique commonly used in blues, jazz, and rock playing. By bending the string to reach the next note and then releasing the bend, you can create a smooth, expressive sound. This technique adds dynamic variation to your solo and allows for more nuanced note shaping.
In conclusion, by mastering these techniques and applying them with expression and feeling, you can create captivating and memorable guitar solos. Whether it's through arpeggiated chord movements, harmonics, vibrato, improvisation, or string bends, you can add dynamics, emotion, and personality to your playing, taking your solos to the next level.
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Chord structures
"Do It Again" by Steely Dan is renowned for its complex chord structures and sophisticated sound. The song is written in the key of G minor and follows a chord progression of Cm-Dm-E♭-Dm7-Gm-Cm-Dm-E♭-Dm.
The electric guitar solo by Denny Dias features an early ring modulator, creating an otherworldly, sitar-like sound. Dias' approach combines fluid phrasing, unique melodic choices, and impeccable timing. His playing style showcases a mix of modal and pentatonic licks, with precise string bends that allow for expressive note shaping.
Certain sections of the song incorporate arpeggiated chord movements, where the notes of a chord are played sequentially rather than strummed. This technique adds a nuanced, melodic quality to the rhythm and improves finger dexterity. Learning these chord movements can enhance one's understanding of complex chord structures and rhythmic patterns.
The song also features subtle harmonic overtones, creating a shimmering, bell-like texture. By mastering the technique of executing harmonics properly, one can improve tone control and articulation, which is essential for achieving the dynamic and expressive qualities characteristic of great lead guitarists.
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Frequently asked questions
The sound of the guitar solo in "Do It Again" has been described as "unmistakable" and otherworldly.
Denny Dias performed the guitar solo in "Do It Again".
Dias used an early ring modulator to create the song's unique sound. His approach combined fluid phrasing, unique melodic choices, and an impeccable sense of timing.
The guitar solo in "Do It Again" is in the key of G minor and uses a G natural minor scale.
Dias' solo contains precise string bends, which allow for expressive note shaping. Controlled bending is a key skill for blues, jazz, and rock playing. The song also features subtle harmonic overtones, adding a shimmering, bell-like texture.
