How to Bend Guitar Strings

String bending is one of those guitar techniques that can add so much emotion and expression to your playing, especially in genres like metal where dynamics are key. Whether you’re looking to unleash face-melting solos or add a touch of nuance to your riffs, mastering string bending will elevate your playing. Let's jump into the details of how you can nail this technique and make your guitar sing.

Building the Foundation: What Is String Bending?

String bending is essentially the act of pushing or pulling a guitar string across the fretboard to raise its pitch. The cool part? It mimics the human voice, giving your notes an expressive, vocal-like quality. You can bend notes a half-step, whole-step, or even more, depending on your skill level and the sound you're going for. In metal, it's often used to add grit and character to solos or to seamlessly glide between notes.

Think about the iconic solos of guitarists like Zakk Wylde or Dimebag Darrell. Their use of string bends adds an emotional punch that words can hardly describe. But don't worry if you're not quite shredding at their level yet. Like with any skill, it takes some practice to get right.

When you start bending strings, a few things are crucial. First, you need to understand the mechanics of your instrument. Lighter strings are easier to bend, but they might not have the same depth of tone as heavier strings. So, picking the right gauge for what you're comfortable with is step one. Also, the higher up the neck you are, the easier it is to bend the strings, thanks to the shorter scale length.

For those who want a structured approach, Riffhard offers detailed lessons taught by some of the best in the business. You can find video tutorials that break down string bending step-by-step, making it a breeze to follow along.

The Mechanics of a Good Bend

Let's focus on the mechanics. A successful bend isn’t just about pushing the string upwards. It starts with proper finger positioning and ends with precise pitch control.

Here’s a quick step-by-step to get you started:

• Finger Placement: Use your index, middle, and ring fingers together for support. While your ring finger executes the bend, your index and middle fingers should help push or pull the string. This provides more strength and control.
• Thumb Position: Your thumb acts as a pivot point. Place it over the top of the neck for better leverage.
• Push or Pull: Depending on the string you’re bending, you’ll either push towards the ceiling or pull towards the floor. Typically, if you’re on the B, G, or D strings, you’ll push upwards. For the high E string, you’ll usually pull downwards.
• Listen and Adjust: The key to bending is hitting the right pitch. Use a tuner or your ear to practice bending to a precise note, like a half-step or whole-step up.

Interestingly enough, there's a bit of nuance when it comes to bends in different metal subgenres. In progressive metal, you might find more subtle bends that play with microtonal intervals, while in thrash metal, bends are often more aggressive and pronounced. Tailor your bends according to the style you're aiming for.

Timing and Coordination

One of the challenges with string bending is timing it perfectly within the context of your music. It’s not just about hitting the right pitch; it’s also about hitting it at the right time.

Practice bending at different tempos. Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. This will help you integrate bends seamlessly into your playing, making them sound natural rather than forced.

Coordination with your picking hand is also essential. You’ll need to synchronize your pick attack with the bend to ensure the note rings out cleanly. A common technique is to pick the note just before you start the bend and let it sustain as you bend upwards.

If you're looking for exercises to help with this, Riffhard provides exercises that focus specifically on timing and coordination, taught by renowned guitarists who have mastered this skill.

Getting Expressive: Incorporating Vibrato

Once you’ve got the basic bend down, adding vibrato can really make your playing stand out. Vibrato involves oscillating the pitch of the bent note to give it a wavy, singing quality.

Here’s how you can incorporate vibrato into your bends:

• After the Bend: Once you reach the desired pitch, use your wrist to create a small, controlled movement that oscillates the note slightly up and down.
• Consistent Speed: Aim for a steady, rhythmic vibrato. Uneven vibrato can sound awkward and detract from the musicality.
• Experiment: Try different speeds and widths of vibrato to see what sounds best. A slow, wide vibrato might work well in a more emotional passage, while a fast, narrow vibrato might suit a more intense section.

Vibrato adds a personal touch to your playing, making it uniquely yours. It’s one of those things that distinguishes a great guitarist from a good one.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Like any technique, there are common pitfalls to be aware of when bending strings. Recognizing and avoiding these can save you a lot of frustration down the line.

• Overbending: Going too far can result in a note that's sharp and unpleasant. Always aim for the precise pitch you want and check with a tuner if you're unsure.
• Underbending: This is the opposite problem. If you're not bending far enough, the note won’t reach the intended pitch. Again, practice with a tuner can help.
• Inconsistent Finger Pressure: Applying uneven pressure can cause the note to waver, leading to an unsteady sound. Focus on using consistent strength in your fingers.
• Ignoring Other Strings: It's easy to accidentally hit other strings when bending. Practice muting the adjacent strings with your palm to keep things clean.

If you find yourself struggling with any of these issues, don't sweat it. We've all been there. It might be worth checking out some lessons on Riffhard, as they offer expert advice on overcoming these challenges.

Advanced Techniques: Double Stops and Unison Bends

Once you've got the basics of string bending down, why not spice things up with some advanced techniques like double stops and unison bends? These can add a whole new dimension to your playing.

Double Stops

This involves bending two strings at the same time to create harmonies. It’s a staple in genres like blues and rock, but it can also be used to great effect in metal.

• Choose Your Strings: Typically, you’ll bend adjacent strings like the G and B strings.
• Finger Placement: Use your index and ring fingers to bend the strings simultaneously.
• Practice Harmonies: Experiment with different intervals to create unique harmonies. A common choice is to bend one string while holding the other steady to create a dissonant sound.

Unison Bends

These involve bending one string to match the pitch of another string that’s played open or fretted. It creates a powerful, resonant sound often used in solos.

• Find the Note: Start by picking a target note on one string and a note one step lower on the adjacent string.
• Bend to Match: Bend the lower note up until it matches the pitch of the target note.
• Listen for Resonance: The two notes should resonate together, creating a rich, full sound.

These techniques can take some time to master, but they offer a great way to add complexity and texture to your guitar playing.

Practical Applications: Bending in Metal Music

In metal music, string bending is often used to create tension and release, adding intensity to solos and riffs. It can be used in various ways, from creating dramatic, soaring solos to adding subtle nuances to rhythm parts.

Solos

In solos, bending can be used to emphasize key notes or phrases. It’s a great way to add emotion and expression, making your solos stand out. Experiment with different types of bends and vibrato to find what works best for your style.

Riffs

In rhythms, bending can add a unique twist to your riffs. Try incorporating bends into power chords or single-note riffs to create interesting textures and dynamics.

Metalcore and djent, for example, often use bends to create syncopated, percussive riffs. These genres take advantage of the rhythmic possibilities of bending, using it to create complex, intricate patterns that keep the listener engaged.

On the other hand, genres like black metal and death metal might use bends to create dissonant, eerie sounds, adding to the overall atmosphere and mood of the music.

Training Your Ear: The Importance of Listening

Bending is about more than just technique; it’s also about developing your ear. Being able to hear and recognize the right pitch is crucial for executing bends accurately.

Spend time listening to guitarists who are known for their bending skills. Pay attention to how they use bends to create emotion and expression in their playing. Try to replicate what you hear, using it as inspiration for your own playing.

There are also ear-training exercises you can do to improve your pitch recognition. Practice bending to specific intervals, using a tuner or reference note to check your accuracy. Over time, you’ll develop a better sense of pitch, making your bends more precise and musical.

For those serious about improving, Riffhard offers lessons focused on ear training and pitch recognition, helping you develop this essential skill.

Integrating Bends into Your Playing Style

Ultimately, string bending is a tool to enhance your musical expression. It’s not just about technique; it’s about using bends to convey your musical ideas and emotions.

Experiment with different types of bends and vibrato to see what resonates with you. Try incorporating bends into your solos, riffs, and rhythm parts, using them to add dynamics and expression to your playing.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to use bends. It’s all about finding what works for you and your style. So don’t be afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of what’s possible with this versatile technique.

Final Thoughts

String bending is an essential tool in any guitarist's toolbox, offering a unique way to add expression and emotion to your playing. Whether you're aiming for soulful solos or aggressive riffs, mastering the art of bending can take your playing to new heights. For those looking to refine their technique further, Riffhard provides a wealth of resources and lessons from top-tier metal guitarists to help you perfect this skill. Happy bending!