Expressive Bend Phrasing
Pre-bends, release bends, bend-release-bend sequences, and compound phrases. Bluesy phrasing on Am pentatonic at 5th and 8th position.
Tablature
First few measures of the exercise.
How to Practice
- 1Measures 1-2: Pre-bend + release patterns. Start at the bent pitch (PB) and release down to the fret pitch.
- 2Measures 3-4: Bend → vibrato → release sequences. Bend up, hold with vibrato, then release.
- 3Measures 5-6: Full expressive phrases combining bends, releases, vibrato, and hammer-ons in Am pentatonic.
- 4Focus on smooth transitions between techniques — the phrase should flow like a vocal line.
Tips & Techniques
- •For pre-bends, silently bend the string before picking so the note starts at the target pitch.
- •When combining bend + vibrato, establish the bend first, then add vibrato.
- •Listen to blues guitarists like B.B. King and David Gilmour for phrasing inspiration.
- •Release bends should be controlled and gradual, not abrupt.
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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.
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.
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.