Many years ago, I read in a book, the name of which I can no longer recall, that there are two ways of bending notes on the guitar. As it has been quite some time since i actually used this technique, my memory is quite sketchy.
The first method is the usual bend where you push the string perpendicular to itself across the fretboard.
The second way, and this is less common, is to push and pull the string along its length which produces a sound more akin to a violin. The only well known guitar player that i've seen use this way of bending often is John McLaughlin.
What I would like to know is if anyone else is familiar with this technique and if possible, they can throw some light on the actual mechanics behind it. Thanks in advance.