I realize that some people who view this blog are not guitar players but just bloggers who happen to come across my page from time to time. For those few, I want to bring different insights about guitars and techniques that us players use that are invisible to most eyes and ears of music lovers! This topic may just bend your mind! (ok, that’s a bad one)
The tool that I wish to talk about is the “B-bender”. Basically, this devise bends a string a full tone (going from one note to the one directly above or below it) without having to use your fingers. It is also known as “The Third Hand”.
Ok, now imagine this if you will. Have you or have you ever watched someone pick any string on the guitar and then with another finger go to the head of the guitar (the part that you tune with) and push down on that same string that they hit? You would hear a bending or a sliding of a note, it would have sounded like a wah, wah like sound, didn’t it? Now that is what the B-bender device does but on the fly. The Pedal or Slide guitar is where the sound originates from.
This sound is just so relaxing to play. When I do through this lick in somewhere in a song, it has this calming effect on me and others as well I guess! The most popular song that show cases this is on the Eagles tune called “Peaceful Easy Feeling”, it’s the beginning guitar lick. Although I’m not a country player, I just love to throw this sound in just for some dramatic flare whenever I can!
The list of guitarist who use this type of device is a literal who’s who of guitar legends! Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards …
You get the picture now don’t you. BTW The image above is the schematics of this device.
This device was made by a man named Gene Sez in around 1966, but the main idea for this came from Clarence White. Clarence wanted to be able to deliver this effect but having it tied up to his guitar strap and soon it became guitar history! The first recording of this sound was when they were the house band at the Nashville West in El Monte in 1966. This CD is now considered by Guitar Player Magazine, “One of the top 20 essential country albums of all time.” Not bad of an idea now is it!
Keep on Jammin’ (or should I say bendin’?)
B benders are nice, but you can do alot more if you practice bending
the strings behind the nut and using other techniques.
Check out Jerry Donahue as an example of string bending mastery.
I’m with you on that one Omniac.
My approach to playing any tune is to take it apart until it hurts. I have problems with some players who just pick up their axe and play regardless of the out come.
I realize that music is for entertainment and pleasure, but I’m obsessed with bring a perfectionist! If I can’t play it perfect, or pretty damn close, I won’t play it live, no way. I find the more you take apart a song, understand it’s inner workings and properly execute it’s true origins, the more the audience will eventually know what level of playing your at! They may not applaud more, but in the back of their mind they know.
Even in same gatherings with musicians or non-musicians, I will stop dead in my tracks and start playing the song over. It drives people nuts, especially my wife, but I can’t help it.
If Jimmy Page doesn’t need a whammy bar, then neither do I!
Keep on Jammin’
Just to clarify ……The inventor’s name is Gene Parsons
Holy smokes you are correct sir Billy b! I stand corrected, thanx for the update Billy.
I guess I have to re-write this post?! I didn’t even get to this man’s name until now. You got me!!!
Keep on Jammin’ Billy