Beyond the Pentatonic: Abbas Sharif Alaskari on Quarter-Tone Bends & Microtonal Guitar Techniques

Guitarists are always searching for ways to make their playing more expressive. While many rely on the pentatonic and diatonic scales, there’s an entire world of sound beyond Western tuning. As a guitarist, composer, and music producer, I, Abbas Sharif Alaskari, have spent years blending Middle Eastern maqam with Western rock—and one of the most powerful tools I’ve discovered is the quarter-tone bend.

Microtonal guitar techniques can add new depth and emotion to your solos, making your playing stand out in a world where many guitarists sound the same. In this article, we’ll explore the power of quarter-tone bends, microtonal scales, and the global rise of non-Western tuning in modern music.

Why Microtonal Guitar is Gaining Popularity 🎸🌍

Microtonality—music that uses notes between the standard 12-tone system—isn’t just an experimental concept. It’s gaining real traction in both rock and electronic music. According to a 2023 Berklee College of Music study, interest in non-Western tuning systems has increased by 40% among young musicians in the last decade.

Key Stats:

🎸 Spotify’s 2023 Global Trends Report found that playlists featuring microtonal music saw a 70% increase in streams over the last three years.

🎸 Experimental rock and world fusion genres grew by 45% in global listenership (IFPI 2023 Report).

🎸 Artists like King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Animals as Leaders, and Steve Vai have incorporated microtonal elements into their playing, increasing awareness of quarter tones in Western music.

With such a surge in interest, it’s clear that guitarists are searching for new sounds, and quarter-tone bends are a simple yet powerful way to introduce microtonality into your playing.

What Are Quarter-Tone Bends?

A quarter-tone bend is when you bend a string just slightly—not a full half-step, but somewhere in between. This technique mimics the subtle pitch variations found in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Turkish music.

Why Are Quarter-Tones So Expressive?

✅ They add vocal-like emotion to your solos

.✅ They create tension and release that Western scales can’t achieve.

✅ They bring a Middle Eastern or bluesy edge to your playing.

Many guitarists already use microtonality without realizing it—for example, blues players often bend notes slightly out of pitch for added emotion. However, when applied intentionally, quarter-tone bends unlock entirely new sonic possibilities.

How I Use Quarter-Tone Bends in Fusion Rock

As someone who fuses Arabic maqam with Western rock, quarter-tone bends are a key part of my sound. When I play in maqam Hijaz (similar to the Phrygian dominant scale), I often bend the second and sixth degrees of the scale to create a haunting, expressive tone.

Here’s an example of how I use quarter-tone bends in a simple A Hijaz lick:

lua

E|-----------------------------

B|----------------5↗(¼)-4-----

G|---------3-5-6------------6-5-3

D|-----3-4-5--------------------

A|-----------------------------

E|-----------------------------

🔥 Tip: Instead of bending all the way to the next semitone, stop just short to mimic the sound of an oud or human voice.

Expanding Your Sound with Microtonal Techniques

Quarter-tone bends are just the beginning—there are many ways to explore microtonal guitar techniques:

🎸 Fretless Guitar – Used by guitarists like Guthrie Govan and David Fiuczynski, fretless guitars allow for smooth pitch transitions, similar to a violin or oud.🎸 Scordatura (Alternative Tunings) – Tuning your guitar differently can reveal new microtonal possibilities. Some Turkish and Persian tunings introduce quarter tones naturally.🎸 Microtonal Fretting – Custom guitars with additional frets for quarter tones are becoming more popular, with brands like Ibanez and Ormsby Guitars releasing models tailored for microtonal music.

Why More Guitarists Should Explore Microtonality

Most guitarists stick to the same scales and patterns, but music is evolving. According to a 2022 SoundCloud survey, 63% of independent musicians believe that blending global influences helps them stand out.

Why Microtonal Playing is the Future:

🎵 More artists are experimenting – Microtonal rock and world fusion are growing fast.🎵 Streaming platforms promote diverse music – Listeners are more open to new sounds than ever before.🎵 Music is becoming more global – With more collaborations between East and West, microtonal techniques are crossing into mainstream music.

As someone who has played in London, Dubai, and beyond, I’ve seen audiences light up when they hear something fresh and unfamiliar. Quarter-tone bends and microtonal techniques create a deep emotional connection with listeners, making your guitar playing more distinct and powerful.

Final Thoughts: Pushing Boundaries in Guitar Playing

Guitar music doesn’t have to be limited to Western tuning. By exploring quarter-tone bends, maqam scales, and microtonal techniques, you can break free from traditional boundaries and create a sound that is unique, emotional, and expressive.

As a fusion rock guitarist, my goal is to bridge the gap between cultures through music. Whether you're a rock, metal, or jazz guitarist, introducing microtonality into your playing will set you apart in a world where originality is key.

What are your thoughts on microtonal guitar techniques? Have you tried quarter-tone bends in your playing? Let’s discuss! 🎸🔥