Essentials Lesson: String Bends (TG219)

Master the basics of one of the most expressive guitar techniques with TG's essential guide to string bends.

Pick up Total Guitar issue 219 (on sale 2 September to 2 October) for the accompanying tab and explanation.

Example One and Two: Basic bends and bending in tune

Example Three: Rock style unison bends

Example Four: Blues style quarter-tone bends

Example Five: Double bends

Example Six: Country style oblique bends

Tutor: Chris Bird
Videographer: Martin Holmes

In addition to at least four full tabs of classic and contemporary songs from your favourite artists, every issue of TG features a selection of guest lessons from pro players and a Riff Of The Month video lesson for the more visually orientated learners among you.

Each issue also includes the story behind the songs, clearly explained amp and effects settings and backing tracks for all of our lessons. See below for more information.

In the mag:

Read it!
Every song has a story. Where possible we speak to the musicians and/or studio technicians to explore the inspiration, as well as the writing and recording processes behind your favourite songs.

Get the sound!
As well as a backing track, every song comes with easy-to-read illustrated settings for amps and effects. This enables you to not only play classic riffs, solos and tunes, but to replicate the tone, too.

Backing tracks!
Every song you learn in the magazine comes with a backing track on your CD, so you can play the guitar parts along with a full band. The CD is just that, a CD of music, so you can play it anywhere and easily transfer the songs to your PC or MP3 player.