This “Lick of the Week #4: Open Pentatonic Bend” video from PlayGuitar.com guides you through a soulful, open-position pentatonic bend that’s ideal for blues soloing. The lick is centered in a classic open box of the minor pentatonic scale, offering a fresh twist on bend phrasing that doesn’t rely on high-fret bends or flashy runs.
The lesson starts with a clean breakdown of the bend—how to slowly push the note to pitch, how to detect and control subtle micro-vibrato, and where the phrasing should sit rhythmically. Unlike fast-paced licks, this one values dynamics and vocal-like expression, using open strings to give the phrase more resonance and an airy feel.
Then comes the shift: this opening bend transitions into a short melodic sweep that descends through the scale with smooth, connected notes. The spaces between the notes are just as important as the notes themselves, and the video emphasizes leaving room to breathe. There’s an extra flourish—a little slide into the next note—that adds musicality without complicating the shape.
This lick is especially effective over a slow to mid-tempo 12-bar blues, where open strings can ring out and add color. It’s intermediate-level in feel and technique, but easy to grasp, too. If you’re focusing on developing your blues phrasing and want something that sings with minimal effort, this open-position bend is a powerful addition to your toolkit.
