How to Bend Notes

How to Bend Notes

Bending notes is a basic skill that every guitarist needs to know. Many players can bend but they can't seem to get the ideal sound that they are trying to achieve. But with proper technique your string bends can take on a whole new dimension.

Bends give a bluesy soulful sound to your playing and can be used in a variety of styles. This lesson teaches proper bend technique for half step, whole step and minor third bends.

Bending Technique

Here are a few key tips to remember when bending.

  1) Bending is always going to be easier on lighter gauge strings.

  2) There are different types of bends that guitarists use - nuance bends, half step bends, whole step bends, and minor third bends.

  3) Small nuance bends can be done with any finger as the melody dictates by rocking back and forth the finger fretting the note.

  4) Larger bends of a half step or more are primarily done with the 3rd (ring) or 4th (pinky) finger with the other fingers helping push the string up.

  5) Bending properly requires hand strength and a strong, stable hand position.

  6) Bends work best on the 1st (E), 2nd (B), and 3rd (G) strings from the 5th position and up on the neck.

Have a great lesson! - Steve Krenz

Steve plays a GIbson USA Les Paul Supreme in this lesson.

Check out Gibson's Learn & Master Guitar course for more great instruction.

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