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.
Tablature
First few measures of the exercise.
How to Practice
- 1Play the reference note first (fret 8 on G, fret 9 on B) — that's the pitch your bend must reach.
- 2Place your ring finger on the bend fret with index and middle fingers supporting behind it.
- 3Push the string upward just enough to raise the pitch one fret — less movement than a whole step.
- 4Measures 1–2: G string (fret 7 → bend to D#). Measures 3–4: B string (fret 8 → bend to G#).
- 5Measures 5–8 repeat — use them to refine consistency and intonation.
Tips & Techniques
- •Half-step bends require much less wrist rotation than whole-step bends — precision matters more than force.
- •Keep the bend controlled: overshoot by even a fraction and the pitch goes sharp.
- •Listen hard to the reference pitch before each bend so your ear guides the movement.
- •Support fingers behind the ring finger prevent fatigue and increase accuracy.
- •The goal is a clean, in-tune pitch — not speed or power.
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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.
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.
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.