By Ken Volpe
This is Lesson #14 in a series on Guitar Improvisation. Last week in Lesson #13 we started to learn bending notes on the G, B, and E strings, utilizing 1-step bends. This week let’s try something a bit different.
I want you to play a 1-step bend at the 7th fret on the D string. Then I want you to try another bend, play a 1-step bend at the 7th fret on the A string. This time I want you to try play those bends in a downward motion, pulling the string(s) toward the ground. Remember to place your middle finger and your index finger behind your ring finger for extra strength and control.
Now I would like to discuss bending notes in regard to neck position. A lot of guitarists’ biggest nemesis is losing their location point. In other words, if you leave a scale position or substitute another finger you can lose your position. In Lesson #1 of this series, I explained the 1 finger per fret rule. Please go back and review that lesson so that this all makes sense. Let’s assume we are playing Form #1 of A minor Pentatonic, starting at the 5th fret. So, if you are bending a note at the 8th fret on the B string with your ring finger you need to keep your bearings when going back to the normal scale position. Usually your pinky would be covering that 8th fret area. When you substitute the ring finger at the 8th fret, it’s natural to mistakenly land the index finger on the 6th fret of the B or E string, as a possibly note choice. In this case, that note at the 6th fret is not a scale tone and might sound odd to your ears. The solution is to make sure that you jump back to the 5th fret, returning to the original scale position. After you get comfortable with your bends and finger substitution, you will jump back into position with ease and accuracy. Another possibility is to bend that 8th fret note with your pinky then none of this will be an issue. However, I would suggest for now that you do all your bends with your ring finger. Later we will introduce bending notes with other fingers.
In next week’s lesson we will continue working with bending notes. I’ll see you all at the next lesson.
Contact Ken: [email protected]
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