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Walter uses extensive string bending as a warm-up before shows

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When we spoke to blues aficionado Walter Trout, he told us he warms up with 20 to 30 minutes worth of string bending before each gig. So to help you get the tricky vibrato-whilst-bending technique nailed, we've transcribed a short but tricky lick he played to demonstrate this.

If you follow the tab (click here for full-sized tab) along with the video below, you'll probably notice that along with the more usual third finger string bends (bars 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8), Walter also employs second finger bends (bars 2, 3 and 10) and a first finger doubled-stopped bend (bar 9). Watch out for his technique of 'snagging' the next string down to include it in the string bend (bars 8 and 11). This piece is played rather rubato (loosely), so don't get too hung up on reading the rhythm; focus on the bends and see if you can emulate Walter's rather wide, lyrical vibrato at the top of the bend.

For more information on Walter, visit the official Walter Trout website.