Half Step Bends

A half step is one fret on the guitar.  So when you play a half step bend, the end note should sound like the note 1 fret higher that where you are bending.  There are 2 common ways to notate a bend.  The first way (fig 1a) shows that you will play the note on the 3rd string 8th fret, then bend the 3rd string 7th fret up until it sounds like the 8th fret (the 8 that is in the parentheses)  The second way ( fig 1b) is the same just with and upward arrow and 1/2 written to indicate that you want to bend up a half step.

fig 1a

fig 1b

Do

When you bend a string, bring your thumb up on top of the neck.  It is easier to push the strings toward your thumb than away from it.

Don't

Things to do

Play the 8th fret with your 4th finger and bend the 7th fret up a half step with your 3rd finger.

front view (47k)

overhead view (64k)

Play the 8th fret with your 3rd finger and bend the 7th fret up a half step with your 2nd finger.

front view (51k)

overhead view (50k)

Play the 8th fret with your 2nd finger and bend the 7th fret up a half step with your 1st finger.

front view (47k)

overhead view (66k)

* Although there are some guitarists that bend with there 4th finger, it is recommended that you stick with bending with your first 3 fingers only.  Your 4th finger is short to get the proper leverage to bend efficiently.

Page 2, bends