IMPROVE YOUR BENDS
Guitar Techniques|November 2022
Simon Barnard explores one of the guitar’s most emotive techniques. It sounds great when you get it right, but dire if you get it wrong!
Simon Barnard
IMPROVE YOUR BENDS

ABILITY RATING

Info

Key: C

Tempo: 115bpm https://bit.ly/3Sm87X3

Will improve your

  • Semitone and tone bends
  • Unison bends
  • Release bends

String bending separates the guitar from most other polyphonic instruments. The ability to manipulate the pitch of a note by a value less than a semitone, add vibrato akin to that of a vocalist, and bend notes in an emotive manner is something that gives guitarists their unique voice.

Many players spring to mind when we think about string bending; the soulfulness of David Gilmour, the emotive touch of Eric Clapton, the modern manipulation of Steve Vai, and the wild style of the late Dimebag Darrell are all examples of how string bends can separate one player from the next.

This story is from the November 2022 edition of Guitar Techniques.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 2022 edition of Guitar Techniques.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GUITAR TECHNIQUESView All
DOUBLE-STOPS
Guitar Techniques

DOUBLE-STOPS

Playing two notes together is a useful addition to any guitarist’s arsenal. Simon Barnard shows how this can be used in a variety of styles.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
BOB DYLAN
Guitar Techniques

BOB DYLAN

This month Stuart Ryan shows how the fleet fingerpicking acoustic style of the protest song legend enriched song accompanient forever.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
BRIAN SETZER
Guitar Techniques

BRIAN SETZER

For this issue Andy G Jones is looking to unravel the style of rockabilly’s most ardent torchbearer, the stupendous Stray Cat himself.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
ALLAN HOLDSWORTH
Guitar Techniques

ALLAN HOLDSWORTH

Experiencing Metal Fatigue? Sinking in quick Sand? Then join Charlie Griffiths as he unlocks the secrets of the master of Wardenclyffe Tower.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
RADIQHEAD
Guitar Techniques

RADIQHEAD

Martin Cooper checks out the sound of an era-defining band from Oxford, and guitarists Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Ed O’Brien.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
MUDDY WATERS
Guitar Techniques

MUDDY WATERS

The father of Chicago blues is in the spotlight this month. Join David Gerrish as he examines the man who electrified and defined the genre.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
JOSÉ FERRER El Amable (Andante Sostenuto)
Guitar Techniques

JOSÉ FERRER El Amable (Andante Sostenuto)

This month Declan Zapala explores a hidden gem from 19th-century Spain's heritage of composer-educators of the classical guitar, whose influence is still felt today.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
THE CROSSROADS Eric Johnson
Guitar Techniques

THE CROSSROADS Eric Johnson

This month John Wheatcroft looks at the iconic guitarist from Texas, atrue crossroads’ artist with a 4 phenomenal command of touch, tone and technique.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
ULF WAKENIUS Seven Jazz Licks
Guitar Techniques

ULF WAKENIUS Seven Jazz Licks

John Wheatcroft brings you an exclusive lesson from the Swedish ex-Oscar Peterson virtuoso, showcasing his phenomenal technique and incredible jazz lines.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
Country-Blues-Rock!
Guitar Techniques

Country-Blues-Rock!

This month Andy Saphir shows how mixing Major and Minor Pentatonic scales, adding extra notes and country guitar articulations, can build you a whole new lickbag.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024