How to Read Bends on a Guitar Tabs

The purpose of bending a note on the guitar is to achieve a higher pitch. Each fret on the guitar is ½ step. If the tab shows a 1 ½ step bend, that means the note will sound 3 frets higher if you bend it. If the tab shows a 2 step bend, it will sound 4 frets higher. You can perform a bend with any string.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Identify a bend on a tab by finding a curved upward arrow. If the number at the end of the arrow is "1 ½," then it's a 1 ½ step bend.

2. Place your finger on the string and fret noted on the tab. If the number "12" is on the second line from the top, then press the D string down in the twelfth fret.

3. Pluck the string to hear the desired sound.

4. Press your finger on the string in the twelfth fret to actually play the note. This note will be 1 ½ steps lower than the note you want to achieve.

5. Play the string and then, while maintaining pressure on the string, push it up to achieve the higher pitch. The higher you push the string, the higher the note will be.

Tips & Warnings

• If the tab is noted for a "full" or "whole" bend, that's the same as a 1 step bend.