Guitarending

Guitarending is a guitar technique that involves intentionally bending a string upwards or downwards from its original position. This manipulation of pitch creates a vibrato-like effect or a distinct slide into or out of a note. The amount of bend can vary, from a subtle quarter-tone to a full octave or more, depending on the player's strength, the string gauge, and the tuning.

The technique is fundamental to many guitar genres, particularly blues, rock, and country music, where it is used to add expressive qualities to solos and melodies. Players often use their fretting hand to push or pull the string sideways across the fretboard. The pressure applied and the distance the string is moved directly influence the resulting pitch change.

Experienced guitarists can control the accuracy of the bend, aiming for specific target notes. This requires a developed sense of pitch and considerable finger strength and dexterity. Sometimes, the guitar's bridge and nut can influence the smoothness and sustain of a bend. Effects pedals, such as pitch shifters, can also be used to emulate or augment guitarending, but the organic sound of a physically bent string remains a distinct and highly valued element of guitar playing.