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intermediatetechnique
String Bending
Whole-step and half-step bends with proper hand support.
Objective
Execute clean whole-step and half-step bends in tune on strings 1–3, using all supporting fingers.
Concepts
- ▸A bend raises the pitch of a note by pushing or pulling the string perpendicular to the fretboard.
- ▸Half-step bend (H) raises by 1 semitone. Whole-step bend (W) raises by 2 semitones.
- ▸Always use 2–3 fingers behind the bending finger to share the load (supporting fingers).
- ▸Bend in tune — the target pitch of a whole-step bend is the same as the note 2 frets higher.
- ▸Check intonation: play the target note normally, then bend up to it and compare.
- ▸Direction: strings 1–3 bend upward (toward ceiling). Strings 4–6 can bend downward.
Diagram / Notation
Whole-step bend on G string fret 7 → target = fret 9 (A): e |-------------------------------| B |-------------------------------| G |--7b9--------------------------| (bend fret 7 up to the pitch of fret 9) D |-------------------------------| Pre-bend + release: G |--7pb9r7-----------------------| (bend first silently, pluck at top, release) Classic rock bend lick (A minor pentatonic box): e |--5--8--5--8b10r8--5-----------| B |--5--8-------------------------|
Exercises
1.Half-step bend intonation check
- 1.Fret B string at fret 7. Play fret 8 (half step up) and let it ring. Remember that pitch.
- 2.Now bend fret 7 up until it matches fret 8. Hold for 2 seconds.
- 3.Release slowly back to fret 7.
- 4.Repeat 20 times. Intonation must be exact — even a 10% flat or sharp is audible.
2.Supporting fingers drill
- 1.Place ring finger on G string fret 9. Lay middle and index fingers behind it (frets 8 and 7).
- 2.Now bend with all three fingers pushing together — the ring finger guides, others power.
- 3.Without the support, the bend will feel weak and go flat. Compare the two approaches.
3.Bend vocabulary
- 1.Whole-step bend: G string fret 7 → pitch of fret 9.
- 2.Pre-bend and release: bend silently to top, pluck, release to original pitch.
- 3.Unison bend: bend G string fret 7 while ringing B string fret 8 simultaneously — must match pitch.
- 4.Practice each type 10 times per session.
Tips
- 💡Bending flat is the most common error — always err slightly sharp then release to pitch.
- 💡Your wrist drives the bend, not just your fingers — rotate from the wrist like turning a screwdriver.
- 💡Lighter string gauge (9–42) bends more easily than heavy gauge (11–52).
- 💡Slow your vibrato after a bend to let the bent note breathe before adding movement.