Behind the bar bends - how long did it take you to master?

[Paul Seager]

I'd have to say it took me a long time to realize when I'd actually need it and also that it doesn't work everywhere e.g., (for me) below the third fret.

In my current band's set I use bends on certain phrases. FYI my tuning is A6 (lo F# A C# E F# A C# E hi). Bends are used:
- To up the 6th tone to a dominant 7th as a passing note in a melody phrase.
- To create an augmented 5th, again as a passing note.

For chord work I usually avoid bends and go for slants but the augmented 5th bend works well on string 1.

\paul

[Robert B Murphy]

I don't have any trouble doing it with a 7/8 x 3 1/4" bullet on dobro. I used to use the bullet exclusively on 7-string G6 dobro because the added mass gave me more volume over the stevens bar. I use the stevens more now on 6-string because the flat end gives a snap on pull-offs on single string work and can be used to strum the guitar when going back to open G. Choice of bar makes no difference to me about doing bends. Paul, your tuning allows you to get the full honky-tonk I-IV lick of, at the 12th fret: C# E A C# bend up to D
F# A D relax to C#. Lather, rinse, repeat. I can only approximate that not having the low 3rd of the IV chord but it's enough to get the idea across.

[Gene Tani]

not too bad at 22.5" scale length w/wide string spacing. Very difficult w/25" scale and pedal steel spacing (but I also have a lot of hand strength from my job). You could lighter gauge strings and tune down a half step to make it easier (at least that's the usual advice for mandolin and 12 string guitar beginners)