Mastering String Bends on Acoustic Guitars: Tips and Techniques

String bending is a fundamental guitar technique that adds expressiveness and emotion to your playing. While it’s often associated with electric guitars, you can achieve stunning results on an acoustic guitar as well. In this blog post, I explore several tips and techniques for achieving flawless string bends on acoustic guitar, including using lighter gauge strings, playing a shorter scale length guitar, making the most of the fret 12 connection, and experimenting with lower tunings.

Table of Contents

Lighter Gauge Strings

Choosing the right strings for your acoustic guitar is crucial when it comes to string bending. Lighter gauge strings require less effort to bend, making the process smoother and more enjoyable. Light gauge strings are typically labeled with a smaller number, such as 10-47. This means the high E string is 0.010 inches thick, and the low E string is 0.047 inches.

Lighter strings not only facilitate bending but also allow you to execute more extensive and nuanced bends without straining your fingers. This is especially helpful if you’re transitioning from playing electric guitar, where lighter strings are the norm.

Shorter Scale Length

Acoustic guitars come in various scale lengths, with the most common being the 25.5-inch scale. However, some acoustic guitars have shorter scales, typically around 24.75 inches. Opting for a shorter scale length guitar can make string bending more comfortable and accessible.

Shorter scales require less tension on the strings to reach a specific pitch, meaning you won’t need to exert as much force when bending. This can be particularly advantageous for players with smaller hands or those who find string bending on a standard scale length guitar challenging.

Fret 12 Connection

When bending strings on an acoustic guitar, it’s essential to understand where to apply the pressure. On most acoustic guitars, the body connects to the neck at the 14th fret. However, bending closer to the 12th fret can yield better results. This is because the neck joint at the 12th fret provides more stability, making it easier to control and execute string bends.

Experiment with bending notes closer to the 12th fret to feel the difference in stability and control, especially if you’re struggling with accuracy and intonation when bending higher up the neck.

Lower Tuning

Lowering your guitar’s tuning by a half-step or more can make string bending on an acoustic guitar more manageable. When you tune your guitar down, the strings become less taut, requiring less effort to bend. Many famous acoustic guitarists, like Eric Clapton, have used this technique to achieve soulful and expressive bends.

Keep in mind that changing your tuning can impact your overall sound, so it’s essential to find a balance that suits your playing style and preferences. You can also use a capo to explore lower tunings without retuning the entire guitar.

Proper Technique

While these tips can make string bending on an acoustic guitar easier, don’t forget the importance of proper technique. Here are some essential pointers:

Use multiple fingers: When bending strings, use multiple fingers to distribute the pressure evenly and reduce the strain on a single finger.
Bend towards the palm: Bending towards your palm (instead of pulling away from it) provides more control and minimizes the risk of accidentally muting adjacent strings.
Practice vibrato: Incorporate vibrato into your bends to add depth and character to your playing.
Listen and adjust: Train your ears to identify when your bent note reaches the desired pitch. Consistent practice will help you bend with precision.

Conclusion

Mastering string bends on an acoustic guitar can take time and patience, but these tips and techniques will help you improve your skills and infuse your playing with emotion and flair. Whether you’re playing blues, rock, or any other genre, string bending is a powerful tool to have in your acoustic guitar repertoire.

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Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.