Technique #2: Bending

Bending is kick arse! Seriously though, SUPER expressive technique to have under the belt, and one of the hardest to get used to–that’s why we’re starting early!  Like vibrato, bends can be done with the fingers or the wrist, the wrist being preferred for it’s control.  Keep your thumb over the neck with a closed grip (think Hendrix’ style) and pivot your vibrato from that grip between the thumb and base of the first finger.  Support the weight of the bend by using several fingers if at all possible.  Study this video closely.  Always know where the bend is going–what pitch are you bending to?  Start with a half-step (single fret) bend, then move to a whole step.

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