Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: yoncopin Oct 1 2009, 02:38 PM

I have been practicing a lesson lately with a full step bend on fret 22 of the high E string. Does anyone have advice on how to get a good lasting note? I usually sound muted and the note has little to no sustain. Any tips on how to practice this?

Posted by: Matt23 Oct 1 2009, 05:11 PM

Could you post a video or a photo of the bend?

Posted by: Emir Hot Oct 1 2009, 06:16 PM

The string action has to be higher (not to close to the fretboard) and the frets pretty new. Also you need enough distortion.

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Oct 1 2009, 08:54 PM

If you use the guitar with a smaller fretboard radius, the surface of the fretboard will be curved so the string will catch the higher frets (in the middle of the fretboard) when you bend. Same will happen if the fret that you are on is a little worn out so it is lower than the one in front of it.

Solutions involve various things, like raising the action a bit, putting thicker string as high E string, leveling the frets, or complete refret job.

Posted by: Dejan Farkas Oct 2 2009, 10:32 AM

Do you have a good sustain if you don't bend on that 22nd fret? Sometimes there is less sustain in high frets where neck is attached to the body (This is why Ibanez JEMs have scalloped last four frets).

Another thing is to check if the string is touching the neighboring fret, as Emir and Ivan already mentioned

Posted by: yoncopin Oct 2 2009, 02:00 PM

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I tweaked my bridge height a little bit and with continuing practice it's gotten a little better. When I submit the REC video for this lesson I'll comment to see if I can some feedback on it. I tend to think it's more my playing than the guitar itself.

Posted by: TheOldOnes Oct 2 2009, 07:28 PM

I am wondering if this also happens to be related with the very notion that Kris recently addressed in one of his lessons concerning bending - specifically placement of your fretting hand fingers to help dampen out ringing from other strings allowing you to hit the strings with more force (and hence better sustain).

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Oct 2 2009, 09:22 PM

Yeah this is true, I agree. Tight aggressive bend (coupled with strong vibrato possibly) definitely enhances tone and sustain.

Posted by: Vasilije Vukmirovic Oct 3 2009, 09:15 PM

good vibrato is the key!