String Bends
The Art of Bending Strings on Guitar: A Guide to Expressive Technique
Bending strings on the guitar is a fundamental technique for creating expressive and soulful sounds on the instrument. From blues and rock to country and jazz, guitar players have been using string bends to add emotion and nuance to their playing for decades. Here is a guide to the art of bending strings on guitar, including some notable player examples.
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Bending strings
Whole Step Bends: One of the most common types of string bends is the whole step bend, which involves bending the string up by two frets, or a whole step. This type of bend is often used in blues and rock solos, and can add a dramatic and emotive quality to your playing.
- Half Step Bends: Another type of bend is the half step bend, which involves bending the string up by one fret, or a half step. This type of bend is often used for subtle inflections, such as adding tension and release to a lick or riff.
- Vibrato: Vibrato is a technique in which the string is rapidly bent up and down, creating a warbling effect. Vibrato can add a lot of expression to your playing, and is a staple of blues and rock guitar playing.
- Bending in Harmony: Bending two or more strings in harmony is a technique that can create a rich, chord-like sound. This type of bend is often used in country and folk playing, and can add a lot of depth and interest to your playing.
- Eric Clapton: Eric Clapton is one of the most famous guitar players of all time, and is known for his soulful and expressive string bends. Whether playing blues, rock, or ballads, Clapton’s string bends are a hallmark of his signature sound.
- B.B. King: B.B. King is one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time, and is known for his powerful and emotive string bends. From his soulful vibrato to his expressive whole step bends, King’s playing is a masterclass in the art of string bending.
- Eddie Van Halen: Eddie Van Halen is one of the most innovative and influential guitar players of all time, and is known for his incredible string bends. Whether playing bluesy licks or high-energy rock solos, Van Halen’s string bends are a hallmark of his explosive and dynamic playing style.
- Bending with Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs: This technique involves using string bends in conjunction with hammer-ons and pull-offs, adding an extra layer of expressiveness to your playing.To perform this technique, you need to fret a note with one hand and use the other hand to either hammer-on to a higher note or pull-off to a lower note. This allows you to create a smooth, seamless bend in the pitch of the note, giving you more control and expression in your playing.One of the most well-known players who utilise this technique is blues guitarist Eric Clapton. In his solo on “Crossroads,” Clapton uses string bends in combination with hammer-ons and pull-offs to create a fluid, bluesy sound that adds to the emotional impact of the song.Another great example of this technique is seen in the playing of Jeff Beck. Beck is known for his masterful use of string bends, hammer-ons, and pull-offs, which he uses to create a unique, highly expressive style. In his solo on “Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers,” Beck uses these techniques to create a soaring, melodic solo that showcases his technical prowess as a guitarist.If you’re looking to add a new dimension to your playing, incorporating string bends with hammer-ons and pull-offs is a great place to start. By combining these techniques, you’ll be able to create more dynamic, expressive solos that add depth and emotion to your playing.The combination of string bends with hammer-ons and pull-offs is a powerful technique that will take your playing to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, incorporating this technique into your playing will help you to express yourself more effectively and add a new level of sophistication to your solos.
- Bending with Slide: This involves using a slide to bend the string, adding a unique and bluesy sound to your playing.
- Bent Note Slides: This involves bending the string while sliding up or down the neck, creating a smooth and expressive bend.
- Practice Bending Exercises: Regular practice of string bending exercises, such as bending the string up and down a full step, will help improve your technique and accuracy.
- Experiment with Different Bending Approaches: Try experimenting with different approaches to string bending, such as using different fingers or different amounts of pressure, to find what works best for you.
- Single String Bends: Start by playing a single note on the guitar and then bending the string up by a full step. Hold the bend for a few seconds and then release it, returning the string to its original pitch. Practice this exercise on each string of the guitar, moving from the lowest string to the highest.
- Chromatic Bends: Play a series of notes in a chromatic pattern, going up the neck of the guitar one fret at a time. After playing each note, bend the string up by a full step and hold the bend for a few seconds before releasing it. Repeat this exercise on each string of the guitar.
- Multiple String Bends: Play a chord on the guitar and then bend one of the strings in the chord up by a full step. Hold the bend and then release it, returning the string to its original pitch. Repeat this exercise, bending different strings in the chord each time.
String Bends
String bends are a fundamental technique
for adding expressiveness and emotion to your guitar playing. From blues and rock to country and jazz, players have been using string bends for decades to create soulful and expressive sounds on the guitar. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, learning the art of bending strings on the guitar is an important step in your musical journey.
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