String Bending Masterclass: Vol.1 Fundamentals

String bending is an integral part of every guitarist's sound, and one of the main reasons why the instrument allows us to play such emotive lines. With this in mind it's incredibly important that you know not only how to bend correctly (and in tune) but that you take full advantage of the expressive capabilities of this technique. Using it to add more depth, articulation and 'soul' to your solos!

Bending lets us guitarists hit all the 'in-between' notes that a piano cannot reach, as well as slide smoothly from one pitch to another (including vibrato), allowing us to imitate other sounds and instruments ranging from slide guitar to saxophones and violins or even the human voice!

In this masterclass we want to help you develop a confident, accurate and expressive bending technique. Over the full three volumes in the series we're going to cover the fundamentals, how you can use bends all over the fretboard in conjunction with other techniques and how to creatively incorporate bends into a more advanced level of playing. This page is solely for the 'Fundamentals' first volume. However, as this is a course we strongly recommend that you get the box set and work your way through from volume one to three (click the image at the bottom of the page). PLUS, if you pick up the box set edition you will also get 9 extra bonus licks to help further refine and develop your bending technique. These of course, come complete with video, audio, backings, and TAB/Notation.

Volume One: Fundamentals.

Whether new to string bending or a seasoned pro, it's always wise to check your technique! Throughout this volume we'll be doing just that. Studying the mechanics, bend shapes and pitch accuracy. Starting with the exercises you will study one and two fret bends within the major scale, perfecting your technique and developing your ear. Once you have mastered the exercises, move onto the licks and work on getting the mechanics right first. Finally studying the longer solo will help you to put your bending techniques into a musical context.

This volume includes a main masterclass PDF including diagrams and images to guide you, exercises, licks and solos in both audio and video format, accurate TAB/notation and backing tracks to practise the techniques and build your own awesome bending solos!

If you want to master this beautiful technique and take your string bending to the next level, then this masterclass is your answer!

P.S - A huge thanks to JTC artist Jake Willson for sessioning on this release as JTC's very own 'Stig'!