Accidentally playing other strings while bending.


Goyohan
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Joined: 07/07/20
Posts: 3
Goyohan
Registered User
Joined: 07/07/20
Posts: 3
07/08/2020 3:31 am

Hi, this is my first time posting here so sorry if my formatting isn't great.[br]I've been playing guitar for a while, but have always struggled with accidentally picking other strings while bending. Whether it's with my nails (which I have very short) on my left hand, or accidentally pulling a string with my left hand while I release a bend, or even accidentally picking another with my right hand while trying to only pick the string I'm bending. What are some ways to help allieviate/avoid this?


-Goyohan (2015 Gibson Les Paul Studio 100th Anniversary)

# 1
Goyohan
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Joined: 07/07/20
Posts: 3
Goyohan
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Joined: 07/07/20
Posts: 3
07/08/2020 3:34 am

I forgot to mention, I am playing on a 2015 Gibson Les Paul Studio (the 100th anniversary edition) which has a "0 degree action" and a slightly wider neck than most guitars. I feel like this should make it easier if anything which just makes me feel worse about my issue lol.


-Goyohan (2015 Gibson Les Paul Studio 100th Anniversary)

# 2
William MG
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Joined: 03/08/19
Posts: 1,631
William MG
Full Access
Joined: 03/08/19
Posts: 1,631
07/08/2020 11:37 am

Welcome to the forum.

I am not an expert at bending but its getting better with attention to finger angle. Hopefully this helps, easier to show than try to type it out.

https://youtu.be/2c1jKgtnp5w


This year the diet is definitely gonna stick!

# 3
ChristopherSchlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,328
ChristopherSchlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,328
07/08/2020 4:59 pm

Hey & welcome!

Originally Posted by: Goyohan

I've been playing guitar for a while, but have always struggled with accidentally picking other strings while bending.

Getting the technique right slowly is the first step. You have to slow down & deliberately use the right physical motions. Depending on your skill level & desired musical genre, have a look at these tutorials.

Rock Bending level 1

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1589

Rock Bending level 2

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1721

Blues beginner bending

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=723

This next one is particularly good at making you focus on picking as precisely & economically.

Blues intermediate bending

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1614

Blues course bending tutorial

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=891

Hope one (or more) of those helps. Please ask more if necessary. Best of success with it!


Christopher Schlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor

Christopher Schlegel Lesson Directory
# 4
Goyohan
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Joined: 07/07/20
Posts: 3
Goyohan
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Posts: 3
07/10/2020 7:18 am

Thank you for the replies and help. I'm having better luck now!


-Goyohan (2015 Gibson Les Paul Studio 100th Anniversary)

# 5
ChristopherSchlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,328
ChristopherSchlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,328
07/10/2020 2:12 pm
Originally Posted by: Goyohan

Thank you for the replies and help. I'm having better luck now!

Good deal! Keep practicing!


Christopher Schlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor

Christopher Schlegel Lesson Directory
# 6

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