2) Using rhythms on slides and bends:
One of my absolute favorite things to do is to experiment with how I use ornamentations and nuances (slides, bends, double stops) in unison with rhythmic structures I like. This takes everything gone over during the first part of this article and multiplies them by a seemingly infinite amount. Each rhythm structure has its own interesting sound. When combined with the interesting sounds of these nuances, you have so many possible different melodies and harmonies to work with.
To the left you’ll see a structure of eighth notes where we perform the bend starting on a down beat and another where we start on an upbeat. Below you’ll find the basic four sixteenth note shapes with multiple bends started on them. You would greatly benefit by simply adding all these bend variations to your playing.
The great part is the above examples are only one combination of bends. What would happen if we started from a pre-bend? What if we worked in other kind of bends? The point is that the options are limitless. Consider what you could do if you put the rhythms up above on slides, for example.
The bottom line is this - experiment with the rhythmic structures of your bends and slides. You’re sure to have endless permutations to add to your arsenal.