String Bending Techniques

Alright then, guys. So let's check out some string bending techniques and also have a look at some double stop bending techniques as well.

The Importance of Bending Techniques

Really, really important as a guitar player that you've got a firm grasp on bending technique. It's one of the most common techniques that you'll come across. Compared to other instruments, guitar allows for unique subtle changes in pitch. If you're on a piano, you don't have the ability to achieve that expressive sound like you do on a guitar.

Practicing Bending

I just wanted to share a few things that you might want to practice or think about when working on string bending.

1. Location: Let's take the 11th fret on the B string and bend that note up a tone.
2. Understanding the Bend: When we say we're bending it up a tone, that means bending it up the equivalence of two frets or two semitones. We're moving from the sound of the 11th fret (a B flat note) to number 13 (a C note).

Supporting Your Bend

It's really important for us to do this safely and musically. Here's how:

• Support the Leading Finger: You should support the string with at least one other finger.
  • Example: My third finger is on the 11th fret, ready to start the bend, while my second finger is also on that B string behind it.
• Using Finger Strength: Use the combined strength of those two fingers to move the string the necessary distance.

Reminder of Pitches

Let's remind ourselves of those pitches:

• Starting pitch: B flat
• Finishing pitch: C

Muting the Other Strings

Now, what my first finger is doing is also really important.

• Muting Technique: I'm using my first finger as a muter, keeping the other strings quiet.
  • If I let my first finger line up with my other fingers, I create unwanted noise when I come back down.

So, always rest your first finger across the strings above to maintain clarity in your bends.

Different Conditions for Bends

Bends feel different all over the neck depending on:

• Strings: Different thicknesses and gauges.
• Position: How close or far you are from the nut.

For example, bending down low on the neck may feel tricky, while bending up high can feel easier. It's worth practicing your bends across different strings and positions.

First Finger Bends

It's important to note:

• First finger bends may not be as large as bends led by other fingers.
• However, with players like B.B. King, you can see how powerful first finger bends can be.

Notation Symbols

A few symbols to understand:

• BU: Bend up
• BD: Bend down

These are often shown with a number in brackets, indicating the pitch at the top of the bend.

For instance:

• Fret number 11 on the B string would show BU (13), indicating to bend to the 13th pitch.

Bending Practice Technique

Now, here's a simple practice technique:

• Pre-Bending: Fret our target note (13) and get that sound in your head.
• Guessing the Bend: Pre-bend the string and guess where you need to be.
• Picking the String: This method is effective in learning how much you need to move the string for various bends.

It's a really good practice exercise to learn how to control your bends effectively.

Exploring Double Stops

In a blues context, you'll often come across double stops (playing two adjacent strings).

Typical Double Stop Technique

• Example: Let's start with barring our first finger on the 8th fret of the G and B strings.
• Bending: A small quarter tone bend here can add a lot of emotion to a phrase.

Try playing the phrase without the bend to hear the difference. Just that little movement can make everything sound bluesy.

Bending Directions

Notice a difference in bending direction:

• For single note bends, I bend up towards the ceiling.
• For double stops, I tend to bend down towards the floor.

Preference in Bending Directions

Whether you bend up or down often depends on your position on the neck:

• On the bottom E string, bending can only be done down.
• On the top string, bending can only be done up.

In the middle of the neck, you have choices. My personal preference for double stop bends is towards the floor, as it gives me more control.

Conclusion

Experimenting with bending is a fun and expressive technique to master. Controlling your bends effectively will aid your playing in countless rock and blues pieces.

So get practicing, and let's take a look at the next technique!