Implantable medical electrical leads, kits, systems and methods of use thereof for electrically stimulating the spinal cord with a plurality of electric stimulation leads. Directional stimulation electrodes are disposed along the distal end portions of the leads to form an electrode array in the epidural space of a patient with at least first, second and third directional stimulation electrodes being oriented at determined angular orientations relative to the spinal cord or each other. The stimulation electrodes may be programmed to create a tripole in which at least the first, second and third directional stimulation electrodes are active.
