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Mastering
String Bends - Part 2
In part 1,
we looked at the basics of string bending on guitar, getting physically
comfortable with the bend action and using our ears to recognise the
pitch to which we want to bend the note.
This lesson, we'll expand into
more advanced (but not too difficult!) string bending techniques. We'll
be using string bends more dynamically and getting more physically
creative with bending.
Bends should also be used with
other lead guitar techniques, especially hammer-ons and pull-offs, but
to keep things focused we're going to
concentrate solely on the bends! Other separate lessons will cover the
other techniques and you will eventually be armed with a whole array of
techniques to mix and merge how you creatively wish.
Right, been over the basics in
part
1? OK, let's move onwards...
Staple
bending techniques
In part 1 it was advised that, as a beginner, you should use 2 or 3
fingers to support the bending action. However, as you start to use
bending more dynamically, you'll find that it's not always possible to
be in a position where such support is immediately available.
Like with anything that involves the use of muscles, the more you use
them, the stronger they will get! In fact, bending strings is a bit
like weight lifting, and you can use similar exercises as you would
when lifting weights (e.g. bend (lift) - release - bend - release -
etc.).
Knee jerk bend
This is a more subtle style of bend and has a nervous, jumpy
quality to it. Whether you're bending a half step or whole step, try
occasionally using a quick, sharp bend-release motion, making sure you
don't dwell on that bent string...
I suppose it's closer to a vibrato (which is a type of bending), but
it's a little more defined.
Peak picking
When I refer to the "peak of the bend" I obviously mean when the string
is fully bent for the intended note (whether that's for a half or whole
step bend). To enhance the climax of the bend, we can add some extra
pick strokes in at its peak.
This is where you can get inventive with your picking rhythm!
Bend and fret
A nice addition to the peak picking from above. It could simply be
called "bend and
fret". You bend a string (e.g. G string) as usual, and then at the peak
of the bend, fret another string with another available finger.
Take a look (watch my pinky finger fret at the peak of the bend):
The fingers you end up using for this technique depends on whereabouts
you are in the scale you're playing. Clearly, you need to know your
scales to know which bends would be compatible!
How much time you spend at the peak of the bend is up to you. For
example, you could simply pick once at the peak, then come back down to
continue the solo.
Click to hear example >
Double or
triple bend
This technique can be best explained through its sequence: pick - bend
- release - bend - release - bend. That was a triple bend because there
were 3 bends after picking the note. Each bend gets relaxed before the
next and what you get is a wide vibrato effect...
A triple bend is more suited to playing under higher gain/distortion,
to keep the note resonating. If you're playing slower, the note might
decay by the end of the third bend.
Remember, once you're at the peak of that last bend, it's up to you
where you go next. You could combine it all with the other techniques
we've looked at. Experiment!
Slow release
The idea of this one is to get to the peak of the bend as quick as you
can, almost making the bend up undetectable, but then release it
slooowwwly back down to its original position. A nice effect to inject
occasionally...
Bend and mute
A great one for pentatonic blues licks. Make a quick, sharp bend, then
as soon as you reach the peak, mute that string/note by resting your
pick against the bent string. Do this
for a split second, before either picking the same string again to come
back down from the bend, or pick another string and leave out the "come
down" altogether.
Combining
the techniques we've learned
The idea is to integrate several of these techniques into your solo,
seamlessly. Easier said than done, I know! However, most of this stuff
flows naturally as you learn to navigate scales.
For example, you'll know that as well as simply picking to get to the
next desired note in a scale, you'll have
several bending
options (along with other lead techniques).
So try to expand your creative options.
Don't force yourself to use these techniques for the sake of it - think
about context.
It should be about personal expression more than anything else.
I hope
I've given you some ideas to work with and build upon as your knowledge
of scales and lead techniques expands.
Cheers!

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