String Bending

The expressive technique of pushing or pulling strings to raise their pitch, essential for blues, rock, and lead guitar.

intermediateBending TechniqueBlues lead guitar • Rock and metal solos

Why Learn This Technique?

  • •Expressive melodic phrasing
  • •Blues and rock authenticity
  • •Smooth voice leading between notes
  • •Emotional expression in solos
  • •Microtonal pitch control

Applications

Blues lead guitarRock and metal solosCountry lead techniquesJazz-fusion expressionsEmotional ballad phrases

Prerequisites

  • •Basic fretting technique
  • •Finger strength development

Common Mistakes

  • •Using only one finger to bend
  • •Bending out of tune
  • •Not supporting the bend properly
  • •Neglecting the release
  • •Poor timing with bends

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Step 1

Position finger at the 7th fret, B string (3rd finger)

💡 Tip:

Use your ring finger for most bends - it's strongest

⚠️ Common Mistake:

Using index finger which lacks strength

2

Step 2

Place middle finger behind the bending finger for support

💡 Tip:

Two fingers are stronger than one

⚠️ Common Mistake:

Trying to bend with only one finger

3

Step 3

Push the string toward the ceiling (towards thicker strings)

💡 Tip:

Use your wrist and forearm, not just fingers

⚠️ Common Mistake:

Pulling the string toward the floor

4

Step 4

Bend slowly while listening to the pitch

💡 Tip:

Know your target note before bending

⚠️ Common Mistake:

Bending without a specific pitch goal

5

Step 5

Hold the bend, then release slowly and controllably

💡 Tip:

The release is as important as the bend itself

⚠️ Common Mistake:

Letting the string snap back

Practice Exercises

Whole Step Bends

intermediateSlow and controlled

Practice bending a whole step (two frets) in tune

Steps:

  1. 1.Fret 7th fret, B string with ring finger
  2. 2.Support with middle finger
  3. 3.Bend until it matches 9th fret pitch
  4. 4.Hold for 2 seconds
  5. 5.Release slowly back to starting pitch
  6. 6.Practice on different strings and frets

Practice Goals:

  • •Perfect pitch accuracy
  • •Smooth, controlled motion
  • •Consistent timing

Half Step Bends

intermediateModerate

Develop precision with smaller interval bends

Steps:

  1. 1.Start at 8th fret, B string
  2. 2.Bend to match 9th fret pitch
  3. 3.Practice quick, precise bends
  4. 4.Work on immediate pitch accuracy
  5. 5.Combine with vibrato

Practice Goals:

  • •Immediate pitch accuracy
  • •Quick, confident bends
  • •Musical phrasing

Bend and Release Phrases

advancedVariable

Create musical phrases using bends

Steps:

  1. 1.Start with a target melody
  2. 2.Replace some notes with bends
  3. 3.Practice pre-bends (bend before picking)
  4. 4.Work on bend timing with backing tracks
  5. 5.Create emotional phrases

Practice Goals:

  • •Musical expression
  • •Perfect timing
  • •Creative phrasing

Troubleshooting

❌ Problem: Bends are out of tune

✅ Solution:

Practice with a tuner, know your target pitch, bend slowly while listening

❌ Problem: Can't bend full step

✅ Solution:

Build finger strength, use multiple fingers, check string gauge

❌ Problem: Other strings ring out during bends

✅ Solution:

Use fretting hand to mute adjacent strings, improve finger positioning

Daily Practice Routine

Routine Structure

🔥 Warm-Up (5 mins)

  • •Finger stretching exercises
  • •Simple half-step bends
  • •Ear training with target pitches

💪 Main Practice (15 mins)

  • •Whole step bend accuracy
  • •Musical phrase development
  • •Speed and timing work
  • •Style-specific applications

🎯 Cool Down (5 mins)

  • •Gentle bending practice
  • •Hand and finger stretches
  • •Relaxation exercises

Daily Goals

1
Improve pitch accuracy
2
Develop musical expression
3
Build finger strength gradually

Famous Uses

"Comfortably Numb"

by Pink Floyd (David Gilmour)

Emotional bends with perfect pitch and timing

"B.B. King Style"

by B.B. King

Signature crying tone through expressive bends

"Bend Me, Shape Me"

by Jimi Hendrix

Creative use of bends for melody and rhythm

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