Technique 203 - Bends And Slides

Bending and sliding are core techniques to making the guitar come alive in your hands.  As a stringed instrument, the guitar is capable of creating extremely lyrical and “free” lead lines, and bending and sliding are key ways to achieve that. 

But - it’s not always that easy. 

The main mistake people make when bending and sliding is they focus more on the physical bend or slide rather than the note (or sound) they are trying to achieve. 

For example: Bending the root. 

I do it, but it know I have to at least get to the ma 2nd so I don’t create massive dissonance - unless that’s the goal :)  Also, if I’m in a major tonality, I know that if I bend past the ma2 and into a minor 3rd I’m going to conflict with that major 3rd in the chord.. right?  

You always want your ear to guide you, but be aware of the goal of your bends.  What note are you trying to achieve?  Are you trying to reach a specific note in a scale? Are you trying to simply tease around note? Are you gong for a “sound?”

The point is: unless you want to clash with your context (chord tones that you are playing over), bend or slide on purpose to achieve a specific note or specific sound. 

From a technique standpoint, it is important to note that while you can certainly bend and slide with any finger, you’ll find that the pinkie and first finger have the least control over bends. 

Now, before you all revolt and yell about so many great players that band with their pinkies - because that’s completely true - it is my experience that no mater how hard I worked to strengthen my pinkie, it just never compared to the third or even second finger in terms of sheer control. 

You try it out. Let me know what you think, but it seems very logical that bigger stronger fingers are going to be better for doing bigger, more physically demanding techniques. 

As for sliding, you shouldn’t always slide with the same finger. You should slide with the finger that makes the most sense, as it pertains to where you are going, or the note you are trying to achieve. 

Lastly, let’s talk about speed and pressure. 

You don’t want to squeeze the life out of the notes, and you don’t want to loose your tempo.  

You want to have just enough pressure and speed to complete whatever your bending or sliding objective may be. No more, no less. 

In other words, it will vary from moment to moment.  Over time, this becomes intuitive and you don’t even think about it. But in the beginning, just realize that you need to try and remain relaxed, don’t choke the note, and never loose you rhythm in your bends / slides.