string bending
techniquesSTRING BEND-ing
Pushing or pulling a guitar string sideways to raise its pitch smoothly.
String bending is one of the most expressive techniques in guitar playing, allowing players to slide between pitches like a singer. Bends range from subtle quarter-tone inflections in blues to precise whole-step and step-and-a-half bends in rock. Pre-bends, release bends, and unison bends add further variety. B.B. King's vibrato-laden bends and David Gilmour's soaring bends are among the most recognisable sounds in guitar music.