This is the technique that separates "I am playing notes" from "I am playing music." Bending pushes a string sideways across the fretboard, raising the pitch.
How to bend
- Fret a note on the G string at the 7th fret. Pluck it. That is a D.
- Keep pressing and push the string upward (toward the ceiling) about half an inch. The pitch rises.
- The goal: a whole step bend, the same pitch as if you had fretted the 9th fret instead. Pluck the 9th fret first to hear the target.
- Try again. Bend until you match the target note exactly.
A minor pentatonic
Reinforce with multiple fingers
A single finger is not strong enough. Use your ring finger to do the bend, with your middle and index fingers pressing the same string behind the bending finger. The three fingers push together.Practice drill
- Play 9th fret on the G string (target = D plus a whole step = E).
- Play 7th fret. Pluck. Bend up to E. Hold for two beats. Release back to D.
- Repeat 20 times. Match the target pitch exactly each time.
Try it
Use the fretboard above to confirm the target pitch. Pick any note in shape 1 of A minor pentatonic; bend it up a whole step; release.Next: vibrato and sustain, the other half of expression.