[{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Bending \u0026 Vibrato","description":"This masterclass covers guitar bending and vibrato techniques. The instructor starts by discussing proper finger positioning for bending notes, using three fingers for strength and pressing down and in towards the fretboard. He demonstrates bending up to target notes and resolving bends. Additional bending techniques covered include pre-bends, bending behind the target note like Albert King, and bending from notes a half step below. The instructor emphasizes finding the pitch accurately. Vibrato techniques like finger vibrato and whole-arm vibrato are demonstrated. Solos are discussed, emphasizing playing melodically on a single string or jumping between adjacent notes. The instructor solos to demonstrate the techniques. Effects of distortion and compression on sustain are addressed. Bending near the nut is discussed, with the challenges it presents. Throughout the class, participants ask questions and share examples from songs that utilize these techniques. The instructor encourages experimenting with bending and not being afraid to play wrong notes as part of the learning process. A variety of skill levels are addressed to provide value for both beginners and more advanced students.","thumbnailUrl":"https://www.guitargate.com/sites/default/files/styles/variable_height_thumbnail_480/public/video_thumbnails/903051162.jpg.webp?itok=RCmnI_26\u0026v=1706128090","uploadDate":"2023-12-07T10:41:03-05:00"},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.guitargate.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Masterclasses","item":"https://www.guitargate.com/masterclasses"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Bending \u0026 Vibrato","item":"https://www.guitargate.com/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/bending-vibrato"}]}] [  Masterclasses ](/courses#masterclasses)   Share  

 





    Members only Join Guitargate to watch this masterclass in full. 

 

  Masterclass   Posted Dec 11, 2023  

# Bending &amp; Vibrato

 [  ![Jamie McLean](https://www.guitargate.com/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/instructors/2023-10/unnamed%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=qp0Qi9Oq)  ](/instructors/jamie-mclean)  [Jamie McLean](/instructors/jamie-mclean)   @jamie  

 

 

  ## About this masterclass

This masterclass covers guitar bending and vibrato techniques. The instructor starts by discussing proper finger positioning for bending notes, using three fingers for strength and pressing down and in towards the fretboard. He demonstrates bending up to target notes and resolving bends.

Additional bending techniques covered include pre-bends, bending behind the target note like Albert King, and bending from notes a half step below. The instructor emphasizes finding the pitch accurately. Vibrato techniques like finger vibrato and whole-arm vibrato are demonstrated.

Solos are discussed, emphasizing playing melodically on a single string or jumping between adjacent notes. The instructor solos to demonstrate the techniques. Effects of distortion and compression on sustain are addressed. Bending near the nut is discussed, with the challenges it presents.

Throughout the class, participants ask questions and share examples from songs that utilize these techniques. The instructor encourages experimenting with bending and not being afraid to play wrong notes as part of the learning process. A variety of skill levels are addressed to provide value for both beginners and more advanced students.



 

 ##   Transcript 

  AI summary 

**Bending Technique (0:00-5:00)**

- Use 3 fingers for strength when bending, pressing down and in
- Bend up to target notes and resolve bends
- Find pitch accurately by bending to and from target note
- Practice bending scales to develop pitch
- Bend with ring finger for strength, supported by 1st and 2nd fingers

**Additional Bending Techniques (5:00-10:00)**

- Pre-bends and ghost bends (bending and releasing)
- Bend behind the target note like Albert King
- Bend from notes a half step below
- Minor third and whole step bends
- Resolve bends for more vocal quality

**Vibrato and Phrasing (10:00-15:00)**

- Finger and whole-arm vibrato techniques
- Play melodically on a single string
- Jump between adjacent notes
- Incorporate vibrato into bends
- Phrase notes like a vocalist

**Effects and Technique Discussion (15:00-end)**

- Effect of distortion and compression on sustain
- Challenges of bending near the nut
- Questions from participants about techniques
- Encouragement to experiment without fear of mistakes



  Show more   

     Members only## Watch the full masterclass

Create a free account or sign in to unlock this masterclass — the full video, transcript, downloads, and practice songs.

 [ Create free account  ](/user/register?destination=/node/7889) [Sign in](/user/login?destination=/node/7889) 



 ##   Student submissions 

 









 

 

 









 

 

 









 

 

 

 

 

3 posts

          L Dec 16, 2023  Playing lyrically like a soloist sings is Hard!!           R Dec 13, 2023  GG MC JM Dec12.23 RB101 RT           M Dec 12, 2023  Bending and Vibrato over Old Love loop     

 

  

 

  Instructor

 [   ![Jamie McLean](https://www.guitargate.com/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/instructors/2023-10/unnamed%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=qp0Qi9Oq)   ](/instructors/jamie-mclean) [Jamie McLean](/instructors/jamie-mclean) @jamie 

 

 

As the Axe man for The Dirty Dozen Brass Band for years, and working with all the heavy hitters including Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Taj Mahal, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Trombone Shorty, Los Lobos, Blues Traveler, Marc Broussard, and so many more… Jamie is the PERFECT window into what it takes to thrive with the very, very…

 14 Masterclasses 

 

 [  View profile ](/instructors/jamie-mclean) 



    More from Jamie McLean  [ All  ](/instructors/jamie-mclean) 

 [ ![](https://www.guitargate.com/sites/default/files/styles/variable_height_thumbnail_480/public/video_thumbnails/931080008.jpg.webp?itok=QFxF35jn&v=1712326813)    Members only    Completed  ](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/stax-memphis-riffs-grooves-pt-2) [Stax : Memphis Riffs + Grooves Pt. 2](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/stax-memphis-riffs-grooves-pt-2)   ![Jamie McLean](https://www.guitargate.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/instructors/2023-10/unnamed%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=jYPhFflS)   Jamie McLean 

 



 [ ![](https://www.guitargate.com/sites/default/files/styles/variable_height_thumbnail_480/public/video_thumbnails/925873361.jpg.webp?itok=Jff73wIx&v=1711036042)    Members only    Completed  ](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/stax-memphis-riffs-grooves) [Stax : Memphis Riffs + Grooves](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/stax-memphis-riffs-grooves)   ![Jamie McLean](https://www.guitargate.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/instructors/2023-10/unnamed%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=jYPhFflS)   Jamie McLean 

 



 [ ![](https://www.guitargate.com/sites/default/files/styles/variable_height_thumbnail_480/public/video_thumbnails/922502056.jpg.webp?itok=A_ltXN9y&v=1710257750)    Members only    Completed  ](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/right-hand-rhythm-pt-2) [Right Hand Rhythm Pt. 2](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/right-hand-rhythm-pt-2)   ![Jamie McLean](https://www.guitargate.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/instructors/2023-10/unnamed%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=jYPhFflS)   Jamie McLean 

 



 [ ![](https://www.guitargate.com/sites/default/files/styles/variable_height_thumbnail_480/public/video_thumbnails/917656332.jpg.webp?itok=TtRUavAe&v=1709152776)    Members only    Completed  ](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/right-hand-rhythm) [Right Hand Rhythm](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/right-hand-rhythm)   ![Jamie McLean](https://www.guitargate.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/instructors/2023-10/unnamed%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=jYPhFflS)   Jamie McLean 

 



 



  This masterclass includes

- Full video masterclass
- Full transcript + AI summary
- Community discussion
 


      GuitarGate AI  Ask 

Questions about this lesson or course?