Bend and Release

Full Bend & Release

Play the note then bend up the value of a whole, 2 fret or steps. Then release the bend back to its original position/note. You will only pick the note once.

Listen to a full bend & release

TIP: Some people have difficulty sustaining the note on the release (the way back down). The trick is to keep a even amount of tension on the string when bending and releasing. Bend the string up while pushing down on the fret board then pull the string down don't release the tension, but pull the string down while keeping pressure on the fret board.

Full Bend & Release Riff

This riff is using the 1st A Minor Pentatonic Scale

When playing this riff, use your 3rd finger for the first bend while the 1st finger lays across the 5th fret, the same as riff 1 on the previous bend page. In the 2nd bar the note on the 2nd string 8th fret is bent using the 3rd finger, while the 4th finger tucks in underneath to play 8th fret on the 1st string while the previous note is still bent. In the 3rd bar your fingers are in the same position as bar 1.

Listen to the riff below

Listen how to play the above riff using full bend & release.

Half Bend & Release

This is all exactly the same as the full bend and release only you would be bending to the equivalent of 1 fret instead of 2.

Listen to a half bend & release

Half Bend & Release Riff

This riff is using the A Minor Scale - Pattern 1

This is a relaxed riff and it's not to important what fingers you use, just use common sense. The first note is bent then released then bent and released again. It is important that you get the pitch right for this, so don't over or under bend the string.

Listen to the riff below

Listen how to play the above riff using half bend & release.