Bend & Release
Whole-step bend followed by a slow, controlled release — on both G and B strings in Am pentatonic position 1. The release is the harder skill: the string must drift back smoothly while still ringing. Half-note values give you time to feel every stage of the movement.
Tablature
First few measures of the exercise.
How to Practice
- 1Pick fret 7 (G string) or fret 8 (B string) and push up to a full whole-step bend — hold for a half note.
- 2Without re-picking, slowly lower the string back to its original position over the next half note.
- 3Play the unbent note straight for one beat to confirm you're back in tune, then rest one beat.
- 4Measures 1–2: G string bend and release. Measures 3–4: B string bend and release.
- 5Measures 5–8 repeat — focus on making the release as smooth and even as the bend.
Tips & Techniques
- •Maintain fretting pressure throughout the release — never let go of the string.
- •Un-rotate your wrist at the same speed you rotated it going up.
- •The released note must ring cleanly: if it dies, you're losing contact with the fret.
- •A wobbly or jerky release sounds like a mistake; a smooth one sounds like expression.
- •Once the release is clean, try doing it in silence (with a pick-hand mute) to focus on feel.
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Ćwicz teraz →Related Exercises
First Bend – Whole Step
Introduction to whole-step bends across two strings in Am pentatonic position 1. Play the target pitch first so your ear knows where to aim, then bend from the lower fret up to match it. Half-note pacing gives you time to really listen.
First Bend – Half Step
Introduction to half-step bends across two strings in Am pentatonic position 1. A subtler, more controlled bend than a whole step — used constantly in blues and rock for that slight push of tension. Play the reference pitch first, then bend from below to match it.
High Register Bends – 15th Fret
Whole-step bends on the B and high e strings at the 15th fret — the same Am pentatonic shape as position 1, shifted two octaves up. High frets require less physical force to bend but demand better pitch control: the strings are short and tight, so overshooting is easy.
First Bend – Whole Step
Your first whole-step bend. String 2 (B), fret 7 — push up to match fret 9. Every bend is preceded by the target pitch so your ear always has a reference.