Basic Bending Technique



Let’s get bent!

Bending is a relatively simple skill on the guitar to get to grips with. It is however one that can take a life time of practice to perfect. Bending technique can be a big part of a players style. Use of bending techniques can add hugely to the character and finesse of a player’s performance. Very few styles of guitar playing do not feature bending at all.

For those not sure what bending is, bending involves fretting a note and with the fretting finger pushing that note either up or down to de-tune that note.
This gives you the ability to make a gradual transition from one note to the next, unlike simply moving your fretting finger to another fret.

Let’s try a simple example:

Ex 1

E|-----------
B|-----------
G|--14b15----
D|-----------
A|-----------
E|-----------

What this notation means is to play the G string at the 14th fret and while the string is still ringing push (‘bend’) the string up or down until the pitch raises to the point were it sounds the same as if that string was played at the 15th fret. Try using your 3rd finger to begin with and also push the string with your 1st and 2nd finger at the same time if you’re finding it a bit tough.
The b in the tablature notation, if you hadn’t noticed signifies to bend.
Experiment with playing the bend and then actually playing the 15th fret until you have it right. With practice you will be able to play this first pop and get the pitch right without checking it against the 15th fret.

Be warned, this technique can hurt the tips of your fretting fingers a little until you have developed thick enough calluses.

Let’s try some other examples:

Ex 2

E|------------
B|------------
G|--14b16r14--
D|------------
A|------------
E|------------

Ex 3

E|------------------
B|------------------
G|--14b16r14b16r14--
D|------------------
A|------------------
E|------------------

Ex 2 is similar to Ex 1 except the note is bent further so that it sounds the same as the 16th fret and it is then ‘released’. Releasing doesn’t mean letting go of the string, it means allowing the string to return to its un-bent position. You will know the string is in its un-bent position when the string appears straight again. The r in the tablature notation indicates the release and the 14 immediately after it indicates that it should be released until it sounds the same as a straight fretted note on the 14th fret. In this case that means it’s fully released.
Ex 3 is very similar to Ex 2 except it repeats this exercise twice in a continuous and smooth fashion.

Practice these techniques with each finger of your hand and on different frets and different strings. Practice pushing up and down to achieve the same bending effect. Obviously on the high E string you can only push up and the low E string you can only push down. Bends are useful at all points on the guitar fretboard.

Note: The 14th fret of the G string is a relatively easy note to bend so don’t be surprised if this technique is more difficult to play in other positions.

To Summarize:

1. Bending allows you to play a note and then effect a smooth transition to another note.

2. Bending requires you to fret a note and push the string either up or down to change the pitch of the note.

3. Its important to practice bending notes a precise amount. 1,2 or more frets.

4. Don’t worry if it hurts your fretting fingers to start with. Take it slowly and practice a little every day until your fingers get tougher.

Have fun!