Bends - Is It My Strings or My Technique?

[hol0point]

I like to play alot of Pink Floyd and Gilmour uses alot of Full note bends. I have yet to be able to get a FULL bend. I can get 1/2s and 1/4s fine. But getting a full step bend just seems impossible without breaking the string. I use diadorrio 10s. Any suggestions? Am I just being chicken and not bending far enough or is it my strings? my technique?


thanks,
hol0

[mjo]

Hi holO,
I love that Gilmour stuff. I've had no problems with those bends on my LP, D'Addario 10's on that. On my G&L (Tribute, actually) I have a much harder time with those "big" bends - and that has 9's on it. This is my first "strat" style guitar and it seems that the longer scale has a big effect, possibly coupled with the fact that it has much larger frets then my LP.,? The action is also a bit higher on the G&L. Your problem could be a combination of things.

Do you have a second guitar that you could play with the set-up ?
Maybe someone here could tell us what effect scale length and fret size has on bending........

If you think you're just not bending far enough -"being chicken"- then STOP IT ! :D :D bend her 'till she pops !!

Let me know what you find out
:Mike

[madhatter@skool]

I use D'addario 10 -56. I can bend up about 2 whole steps(4 frets). This gets easire to do the higher up the neck you go, since the distance between the frets decreases. If you don't have the finger strength to do a whole step(full) bend, re-enforce the bend with other fingers.

Ex. play an A on the 14 fret of the G string with your third finger. Bend it up to a B(16). If you don't have the strength, place your first & second fingers on the G string behind the third finger. Use all of them to push the string towards the low E.

You'd have to either bend the strings really far to pop them (if they are new) or have a sharp edge on any of the hardware that is in contact with the string.

hope this helps.

[Dommy]

I can bend up 2 whole tones with my 11's around the 13th fret on the 2nd string. It hurts sometimes. I really have to work for my bends with my strat and my 11's.

When I play my brother's Gibson SG with 9's, I can easily bend up 2 and 1/2 whole tones, on nearly any string. I think it has a lot to do with guitar set up and scale length, as previously mentioned.

[Bizarro]

Maybe someone here could tell us what effect scale length and fret size has on bending

Bigger frets give you a better grip on the string, and most people would agree that it makes bending seem easier. I don't have any technical proof, only opinions and experience :)

Scale length: Shorter scale length = easier bending. Les Paul's have a 24.75" scale length and the strings feel looser when tuned to the same pitch as a guitar with a 25.5" scale length.

If you are breaking strings on big bends, where are they breaking? If they break at the bridge, then I would say you probably have some rough edges which need to be filed down. Strats and some floyd rose bridges will develop burrs and break strings. This has happened on several of my guitars!:( It's easy to fix with a metal file, just takes a minute or less to correct. ;)

Most people get used to whatever string guage they use and their hands develop the appropriate amount of strength to play after a month or so of regular practice. I used 11-60 for about 13 years since I really like the sound and I didn't notice bends being any harder or easier... I recently switched to 10-46 due to the types of songs my band plays plus a severe reduction in my practice time. If I didn't practice everyday my knuckles would hurt with 11's. I don't have any issues with 10's. :)

[hol0point]

Ok thanks everyone. It may be my setup. My guitar is a factory made ESP M-10 which is the least expensive model they make. But I'm gonna give it another try and bend those suckers till I hit the note I want. I also havent been doing alot of bends higher on the fretboard. I didnt realize it makes a difference but it makes total sense now.


Thanks,
hol0

[primal65]

Originally posted by Bizarro

Scale length: Shorter scale length = easier bending. Les Paul's have a 24.75" scale length and the strings feel looser when tuned to the same pitch as a guitar with a 25.5" scale length.

]

Doesn't a longer scale=easier bending? I'm confused

You ever been at a music shop and played one of them mini-guitars or kid guitars and the strings feel like barb wire.

[Bizarro]

Doesn't a longer scale=easier bending?

Nope.

Check this out: (http://www.12fret.com/fret/fv4n7.htm)
Quote from there... Plus I've played about a billion guitars :)
********
If two guitars of different scale lengths (i.e. Fender and Gibson guitars) are strung with equal gauge strings and tuned to normal concert pitch, the shorter scale Gibson will have less tension , resulting in a "looser" feel.
*********

[JazzLOCO]

I use 11's and bend nicely with them. Although the scale proves a great difference, it shouldn't be a reason why you can't bend even a whole step. You have to strengthen your fingers, that's all

And a longer scale = more tension

[hol0point]

Well it turns out I simply wasnt bending far enough. I was holding back fearing a string break.


Thanks,
hol0

[oRg]

When bending don't worry about string breaks. I've bended by strings D'Addario 10-56's (7-string) well beyond a full-note. I've bended at one point in time 2 and a 1/2 note high without breaking. My strings went out of tune but it bent.

[RandyEllefson]

Just push! It's like giving birth. You gotta PPPPUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSHHHHHH. :D

If you tune down a half-step, that could also make it easier.

[Rented]

Depending on the style of music you are playing, you can try getting some extra leverage by hooking your thumb over the top of the neck. Then you'll be doing two whole-tone bends with your index finger (only) on the fifth fret! Then again, maybe not :D

Clarification: depending on the style because that particular grip on the neck probably doesn't suit e.g. shredding, chord soloing, etc

[hol0point]

Hi everyone. I've been working hard on trying to play the solo for Mother by Pink Floyd. Its got nothing but Full bends throughout so its good practice. It really is just coming down to making sure I plant my fingers firmly so I can bend it up a full step. I never used to need to use any additional fingers on my fretting hand to pull of the 1/2s and 1/4s but with the fulls I definately need to get other fingers involved to help push it all the way up to the desired note. One thing is for sure. I'm glad I opened this thread because up till then I simply avoided songs that had difficult bends.

hol0