String Bending

A technique where the guitarist pushes or pulls a string to raise its pitch.

String bending is a fundamental aspect of guitar playing, used in various music styles to add expression, emotion, and nuance to a performance. By applying pressure to a string and pushing or pulling it across the fretboard, guitarists can smoothly raise the pitch of a note, creating a vocal-like quality that can emulate the human voice or other instruments. Bends can be performed with varying degrees of pitch change, from subtle quarter-tone inflections to dramatic whole-step or greater bends, depending on the desired effect.

Developing control and accuracy in string bending requires dedicated practice, as well as an understanding of the physical properties of the guitar and its strings. Incorporating bends into one’s playing can add a unique and personal touch, helping to create a more expressive and memorable performance.