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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Bend Practicing

Posted by: Renan Jul 1 2014, 05:42 PM

I sometimes struggle to bend the note in the correct pitch , what do you guys suggest me to practice to improve bending skills ?

Posted by: Ben Higgins Jul 1 2014, 07:15 PM

Hi Renan, try this approach.... it does work.

When you feel ready to test your new bending skills, have a go on this lesson. It doesn't focus on anything other than bending so there's no distractions:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/String-Bending/

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jul 1 2014, 08:16 PM

Hey mate! Ben's video pretty much sums it up I for one never studied bending as a technique, but I grew it as a skill in time, without even knowing what I was doing. Truth is, I realized after a long time, that the articulation skills I was developing, were a result of my intense ear training drills - I had no clue I was doing those as well But I was imitating a lot of things using my voice and my guitar - parts from songs, vocal lines, cartoon characters and so on. These things improved my hearing a lot and added a fine tuning to getting how things are with reaching pitches in general.

So, to cut the story a bit shorter - try and imitate everything you like Regardless of what it's being played with - piano, guitar, bass, vocals, saxophone, flute, violin.. it doesn't matter The more you do it the better you will become.

If you wanna test your ears, try and bend a note while using a tuner - if the bent note is reaching the correct pitch, that will be shown on the tuner Be aware of:

- how much you bend
- using the wrist
- remembering how that bend should feel

Let me know how this feels to you, ok mate?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 1 2014, 08:37 PM

Hi Renan, I think that you've already received great feedback about this thread. Ben's approach is exactly what I think it's the most effective way to practice bending. If you incorporate that exercise to your diary routine, your bends will becomes better and more precise each day.

Once you feel more comfortable reaching the correct pitches, I think that practicing some blues lessons are also a very cool way to practice bending but in real music situations.

For example, check this lesson: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Stevie_Ray_Vaughan_Inspired_Phrasing/

As you can see, it's full of aggressive bends: half note bending, whole note bending, double strings, bending + vibrato. It's a killer workout, and you can practice the licks over the backing track to be sure that you are on tune.

Let us know if this tips help you!