Bending G string

[BangGang]

I've seen bassists bending easily the G string before, no matter how hard im trying i just cant do it properly.
It's so stiff and there is less space for bending. Am i doing something wrong? Is there a technique or exercise i could watch online to improve my bending on G string?
Also bending G & D strings the same time seems to me way more harder..
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[bholder]

Folks who band bass strings easily are either using lighter gauges or have much stronger hand/forearm muscles than some of us do. Also easier on short scales.

 

[Not yet]

Easy on Thomastiks if you like low tension strings. Not so hard on mid tension like LaBellas

High tension I agree, need the hand strength.... And practice

 

[BangGang]

I think my strings have high tension. I use GHS precision flatwound 45-105 (standard tuning)
Is there any exercise i can do to increase my hand strength?

 

[Mushroo]

I think my strings have high tension. I use GHS precision flatwound 45-105 (standard tuning)
Is there any exercise i can do to increase my hand strength?

You could practice bending notes. That will strengthen your fingers no problem.

However, I am of the school of thought that playing an amplified electric bass guitar ought to be physically effortless. Playing the bass should not require much hand strength at all. If you were my student, I would advise you to get a proper setup (so your bass has a good "action" and is effortless to play) and to choose the right strings for your desired playing style.

If you really like the sound of a 45/105 flatwound set for ordinary playing, maybe you could string a second bass with lighter gauge strings, and use that bass for "lead guitar" techniques like bends, tapping, hammer ons, pull offs, trills, etc.?

 

[lz4005]

I've seen bassists bending easily the G string before, no matter how hard im trying i just cant do it properly.
It's so stiff and there is less space for bending.

How is there less space for bending? That doesn't make any sense.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

How is there less space for bending? That doesn't make any sense.

The OP is bending the G string to the ground I think.

OP bend G and D up to your head and E and A down to the ground. Use three fingers for greater control, steal David Gilmour's bending technique.

 

[zontar]

I bend them all.

 

[rufus.K]

Can you bend the A string easier than the G?
Are you bending the G up or down?

 

[zontar]

Up, I hope...

 

[sawzalot]

D and G bend to the ceiling, the others to the floor. If I'm doing a bend for 1/2 step or more I use more than one finger on my fretting hand, otherwise it's REALLY hard.

Tom

 

[pravus]

I find that bending the G string upwards requires good wrist and finger control but is fundamentally about leverage. When doing bends the first thing I look for is a good anchor point on the neck that allows me to move my hand and fingers as a unit. I try to keep slight pressure on the side of my index knuckle and rotate upwards. My finger strength is primarily used for stabilizing everything but does contribute to the bending slightly. I find it really works my fingertips though.

 

[Nomad916]

I think my strings have high tension. I use GHS precision flatwound 45-105 (standard tuning)
Is there any exercise i can do to increase my hand strength?

I used this set for playing both standard tuning and drop C, so it is fairly high tension, and not easily bendable. You may try a lower gauge strings, or downtune to make it easier.