chris grundy  -  lessons

BENDING ON THE GUITAR
In my experience teaching Guitar, bending has been one of the hardest techniques to master for beginners and intermediate Guitar players. But it is one of the techniques, along with vibrato, that will make your playing sound a whole lot more expressive. Here are a few tips that might make it easier.
Firstly, bend with at least two fingers. I use my index finger to mute the strings that I am not playing, and my middle and ring finger to bend the string that I want. Use your  thumb for leverage by bringing it over the top of the neck. This will make bending the string up, physically easier, although not exactly text book technique. There are such things as quarter, half, and full bends. A full bend is to the next note in the scale. A general rule is that it will not sound quite as bad if you are a little flat in your bending. If you go sharp, well, it just don't sound good. Obviously we want to be as precise as possible, but it will take time to get a full bend sounding perfect. Bending up the neck towards the body of the guitar is easier than down near the headstock. Finally, make sure your guitar is set up nicely. Having the strings too far from the fretboard will make it harder to play, and that means less fun.

 Please enjoy some quotes that have been deemed pertinent .

"I often discover that what sounds great at home sounds hideous in public."

Tuck Andress

"A good musician can do more to change society than 30 average mayors."

Howard Roberts

"Seven days without music makes one weak."

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