String bending, how and when

General · 5 replies · 247 views · 5 followers

Christine Bernard

5 months ago

Hello Tomo, I am watching your string bending video (FT string bending 2022) wich is very interesting, I have two questions, one easier to answer and one more tricky.
1- Is there a video dedicated on basic technique for string bending ? I know how to bend half note but it is very hard for me to bend a note or a note and a half.
2 - How do you plan or expect or foresee the note that is going to be bend ? I mean if you play C scale on one string for exemple and you have to play a bending G, you have to think before you play it that you are going to bend F or G flat…? How does it work in your head ?
I know how to bend half note but I don’t know when !
There are some patterns (licks ?) that we can learn by heart but it doesn’t make sense to me. There must be a step before to make a good musical line.
Do you understand my question ?
It is always a great moment when you or anyone else on this great forum give me an answer.
Have a good evening and keep on your great work with each of us. It’s appreciate ! It counts for me !

7 Likes

Tomo Fujita Mod

5 months ago

Thank you Christine for this question!

I love bending technique! It is super difficult to do!

I have a few string bending lesson.
https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/videos/ft-string-bending-vibrato-technique
and
https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/videos/ft08-string-bending-practice-tips

If you need to see more details or much more simple version?
Let me know... I can make additional video.

Very difficult to bend a whole step. Yes!
I will help you more!

Yes. You need to hear that target note first before you bending.
C Major Scale on 321 set string or E Major scale on 2nd string ... good way to start.

Thank you.

Tomo

5 Likes

Christine Bernard

5 months ago

Hello Tomo, by the way, it was a very nice live yesterday about guitars. Thank you again.
For sure I would appreciate even a short video on string bending technic. You always say to play very slowly. Could you explain how I could practice bending slowly ? And when to bend ? Is it a question of feeling ? Or of letting go the musical mind ? Any way, I love the way you teach and as an experienced guitar player the more I play, the less I know ! I continuously improve my sound with your precious help. Fondation, fondation and fondation ! It is my motto !

6 Likes

Tomo Fujita Mod

5 months ago

So happy to hear that! You're very welcome!
Yes definitely I want to make a short video on string bending technique.
Yes! Slowly to bend and mute by right hand and release that bend note.

Bending note (in general) only go up and stop... and don't go down.
I will explain that part too.

I use D'Addario EXL110 (10-46) set.
You can try D'Addarion EXL120 (09-42) set ...a little less tension than 10-46.

Bending technique part is totally technique! That's why it's better to play Major scale
than any bluesy licks.

So happy to hear that.
Yes! Foundation is super important!

Tomo

5 Likes

Christine Bernard

5 months ago

Thank you for the string’s tip ! I’ll start by bending C scale on 2nd string, half note at a time. Thank you in advance for the next video !

4 Likes

Tomo Fujita Mod

5 months ago

Good job!

2nd string & 3rd string are much easier than 1st string bend.

Try a half step first and gradually to ben a whole step.

You're welcome. I will make that video today.

Thank you.

Tomo

2 Likes

Tomo Fujita Mod

5 months ago

I just made this video for you!
Hope you like it.
Please leave your feedback here.

Thank you.

Tomo

7 Likes

John Fiers

5 months ago

This was a C scale practice today on 3rd string. Also interested on the bend placements. Wondering what a good technique is... somewhere between the mi, fa and also ti, do use the 2nd string then somehow combine either the 1st or 3rd string in motion. All kinds of options for sure.-johno

3 Likes

Tomo Fujita Mod

5 months ago

Good job Johno!

3rd string & 2nd string ...easier than 1st string bending.
I just my quick video so please watch it.

Thank you.

Tomo

2 Likes

Christine Bernard

5 months ago

Thank you very much ! It is a great video, clear, simple, you show how your too hands are working together, your left thumb, the posture, and how to practice with a lot of details.

I’ve learned with very good rock music teachers, classical music teachers, pop music teachers but all assuming I was already steady. What a mistake ! That was why I didn’t keep on. Good technique doesn’t make a good player but you will never be a good player without good technique.

Will Sammi put this video on the play list ? It could help others.

Thank you Mr Fujita !

5 Likes

Kurt Schubert

5 months ago

Careful at first. I play everyday and can only do this for a short time or I'm too sore to practice other things. I use 2nd string mainly. Doing it every day is the key to building the strength and calluses IMO.
Kurt

5 Likes

Tomo Fujita Mod

5 months ago

You're very welcome Christine! My pleasure!
So great to hear that your feedback!

Yes! Not only one hand thing. Two hands and my body moves and a strap.
I don't assume anything. Not think twice! I think more than three times!
I always ask a lot of questions just in case. My job is to check all the details.

Only one life... I just want to know one thing in depths.
String bending! I just wanted to master deeply so I don't use any blues phrase for learning this technique and I use my amp (louder and brighter) I use all pickups! Front, middle and rear.
But I do not mix two pickups when I am practicing.

Yes! As I pick this playlist then all there!
These videos are our secret stash!

PS, Once I asked my one personal question to Eric Johnson.
" What is the most important thing for Guitar Playing "
His answer was one word " Techniques "
Without having good techniques.... any great ideas... not able to express!

Thank you.
Tomo

6 Likes

Tomo Fujita Mod

5 months ago

Thanks Kurt for your suggestion!

Yes! Not too long. 10-15 minutes ...
Not too much but everyday!

Very important part is turn your amp a little louder
so you can hear any finger / string noise so clearly.

Thank you.
Tomo

3 Likes

Christine Bernard

5 months ago

I was thinking about using a tunner too ! Great advice ! Every small elements work together to produce the best effect ! If only we give time and patience a chance. Thank you again.

5 Likes

Tomo Fujita Mod

5 months ago

You're very welcome! I am always using a tuner (in between my amp & guitar)

A little thing will help a big time (Pitch, ear training)

Better spend out time efficiently with right material, right direction without fishing around...

Yes! I am so patient... Don't expect too fast!

Thank you.
Tomo

4 Likes

John Fiers

5 months ago

I liked this video in that now I can mix up a few things in my C scale practice along with ear training. Great tip with using the tuner to further accuracy. Techniques I would have not tried on my own. Thank you, - johno

4 Likes

Tomo Fujita Mod

5 months ago

Thanks so much Johno!

I think C scale around 3 2 1 set string is pretty good for this exercise.
Feel free to change positions or any other keys.

I love simplicity very much.
You're very welcome!

Tomo

2 Likes