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.
Tablature
First few measures of the exercise.
How to Practice
- 1All bends are on string 2 (B string), fret 7. The target pitch is fret 9 (same string) — play it first, then bend up to match.
- 2Bars 1–2: Pick fret 9 (reference), then bend from fret 7 up a whole step. Repeat 4 times per bar. Listen — they must sound identical.
- 3Bars 3–4: Bend and release — push up to fret 9, hold for a beat, then slowly release back to fret 7. No reference note this time, trust your ear.
- 4Use ring finger to bend, supported by middle and index behind it. Three fingers pushing together.
- 5Push the string toward the ceiling (upward) — small, controlled motion from the wrist, not just the fingers.
Tips & Techniques
- •Play the target note (fret 9) before every bend — your ear needs a reference. Don't skip this step.
- •Overshooting is worse than undershooting — come up slowly and stop when it matches.
- •Keep your thumb anchored over the top of the neck for leverage. Without it you'll run out of strength.
- •The release must be controlled — don't just drop the string, guide it back.
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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.