Bending guitar strings isn't just something you can do to replace old, oxidized strings.
But the guitar string bending is also a top-notch playing technique often performed by musicians, artists, and professional players on stage in front of thousands of spectators.
In this article, we will go deeper with you to explore how far can you bend a guitar string?
How far can you bend a guitar string before it breaks?
1/2 - A half step is the maximum string bend you can reach. However, it is common for players to bend at three or four semitones which is a suitable stop from which you can break out of a regular sequence.
To achieve semitone curvature depends on a lot of variables.
These variables include the age and condition of the strings (a brand new string will give you better bends than an old rusty string) and the construction of the guitar you're using.
Older guitar models often have very shallow grooves to keep the strings in place on the bridge. Thus, the rope is easy to slip sideways in big bends.
Therefore, to ensure the safety of the guitar as well as to avoid frequent string breaks, guitarists usually only bend the strings to a maximum of 1/3. Only skilled players who own the latest electric guitars will bend to 1/2.
Levels of bending technique
How can I bend the strings without breaking them?
To prevent the strings from breaking when you make a bend you need to first check the edges, ledges, constructions on your guitar.
Next, check your guitar model. To do a good flexing technique you need a good guitar with new, more supple strings.
This bending technique is better done with electric guitars rather than traditional guitar models.
This is a question that everyone wants to know the answer to in the fastest and simplest way. However, it is very difficult to give you an exact answer.
Because frequent string breaks don't just depend on whether the guitar you're using is old or new. The raised edges holding the strings have cuts that make it easier for the strings to break quickly.
Or when you use the guitar for a long time, the strings become older, they become more brittle due to oxidation and hardening.
It also depends on whether your string bending technique has mastered or not or just started.
Of course, when we are just starting out, we all have a lot of setbacks before we reach success. It is also understandable that strings break when you are just starting to learn the technique of bending the strings.
So practice more often to reach the highest level! Then you will not need to replace too many new strings anymore.
What is a good string bending technique?
To perform the technique of bending strings skillfully, you need to understand the unwritten rule when bending strings.
The rule goes like this: You use your available fingers on the back of the finger you're bending to help push that string.
If you are holding a note with your third finger, you can use your first and second fingers to bend the strings. The same goes for the strings in the other fingers.
To become a skilled guitar player with top bend technique you not only need to master the unwritten rule about the use of fingers but you also need to master the technique of bends.
As for the physics of watching star shows, you'll find when doing how far can you bend a guitar string the wrist will rotate a bit, and the arm moves a bit with the movement.
So the first step is to practice hard and make sure to practice bending until it feels more natural and keeps working to improve your pitch.
Next, switch from a half-step bend to a full-step bend. This is when you need to use your fingers. Place your little finger on the sixth fret of the B string and hold the note.
You can then use your other fingers to help push the B string into a full bend. Now use your thumb around the fretboard, creating leverage and helping you hit the right pitch.
Do the same with the other fingers and practice often until it becomes your familiar reflex.
Once you've become familiar with using your fingers to bend, we'll try bending the whole finger. Now place your pinky on the B string at the sixth fret and use your remaining fingers to help bend.
Hit the third fret with your index finger, move to the G string with your third finger on the fifth fret, then place your first finger on the third fret.
End this section on the base note by placing your third finger on the fifth fret of the D string. So you've taken the first step on your journey to mastering the bending technique.
You will often get sore fingers when practicing this bending technique.
What affects string bending?
That is the string. Your string bending technique will be perfect when combined with a good thickness guitar.
If you choose a guitar with strings that are acoustically or electrically heavier, they are usually strings that are manufactured to limit bending.
With these strings, if you pull too hard, you can break the strings. Heavier gauge strings are generally better suited for playing rhythm.
Bending is a guitar technique primarily used to play single-note riffs and in lead guitar situations.
The thickness of the strings is an important factor in determining the sound emitted when bent.
If you choose a smaller gauge string it will have the same pitch with a lower tension and of course, you'll have an easier time doing the bending technique.
And practice shows that they are also less "oomph". However, amplification can minimize some volume loss.
Now, when you have a string, the string is thicker, and it has considerable bending stiffness. When you bend it to become a stick, it sounds more like a jingle bell and less like a guitar, because the different overtones aren't in the correct frequency ratio.
Even if it's not so thick that it doesn't sound like a guitar, there's always an important difference at the endpoints.
According to physics, ideal oscillating shapes all bend infinitely at the end. Therefore, the thickness of the strings is very important.
With what we have just shared with you about how far you can bend a guitar string, hopefully, you will practice regularly and master it quickly.