Bends in tune
Intermediate
Bend the string to the exact target pitch: the most common mistake is falling short.
Pattern
Transpose
Drag up/down over the instrument to zoom the range
Tablature
How to do it
- First play the reference note (string 3, fret 9) so you have the pitch in your head.
- Now play fret 7 and push the string up until it sounds exactly the same (a whole tone).
- Back the push with fingers 1 and 2 behind the 3rd and use your thumb as a lever.
- Repeat alternating: reference, bend, reference, bend, until they always match.
Variations
- Try half-step and tone-and-a-half bends, always checking them against the reference note.
- Practise the pre-bend: bend the string silently and let it down to the note.
Metronome
Target tempo: 60 BPM (Range 40–90)
Metronome
60 BPM
Tuner
You are playing:
—-15c
+15c
-50c0+50c
Turn on the tuner to check your intonation while you practise (bends, vibrato…).