Hello!

I would suggest taking a short detour, basic Nashville Number System. The theory behind 1/2 or 1 whole step [U]As[/U] based on a major scale. You know... Do Re Me Fa So La etc... and so on...
Do is 1 (open), Re is a whole step (2 frets) to 2, Mi is a whole step (2 frets) to the 4th fret, but it's the 3 note, Fa is a 1/2 step to the 4 note or chord (5th fret), So is a whole step (2 frets) to the 5 note or chord (7th fret).

So bending from an open E a whole step would result in an F# note, which is possible on a Telecaster or Stratocaster from bending the string behind the nut, to an F# note.


Frets on a guitar are in 1/2 step increments. So for a major scale in the key of E, the open E is the first note, the first fret (F) is a half step, (F#) a whole step from the E, (G) at the third fret is a perfect example to bend a whole step. When you bend the G note (from the third fret on the E string) up one whole step (or two frets) you end up at an A note, which should be the exact same note as the 5th string (A-string) with a slightly differnt voicing.

Now the general rule is to pull toward the middle of the fretboard, So if you are bending an E (.042) or an A string, or D string... you would pull down. If bending a .009 E string or B, or G string you would bend them up.
This is not set in stone though... it's virtually impossible to bend a big E string upwards, (pull it down, or below the nut instead) but bending a G string down will increase your speed if you are in the open A chord postion. Johnny Hiland does it frequently, and to great affect.

I hope this helps explain a bit about bending. Some great info is available here on Guitar Tricks. And I would also suggest look for some Nashville numbers system lessons. You can also find lessons that get deeper into the basic theory of bender guitar/pedal steel type bends.