Guitar Lessons – Hammer-on, Pull-offs

One of the primary legato techniques all guitarists must learn is the hammer-on, pull-off. This technique is important because it allows for nuances in tone and expression, and it allows the picking hand a “break” since it does not have to pick the notes on the hammer-on or the pull-off. This results in a faster progression of notes, sometimes called licks.

The hammer-on is accomplished when you pick a note and then using another finger hammer down on the same string. The sound of the hammered note is less pronounced than the picked note. For example place your first finger on the 5^th fret of the 3^rd string, and the hammer down your third finger on the 7^th fret of the 3^rd string. Don’t use your just quickly strike the second fret position with the tip of your 3^rd finger. This would be described in guitar tab as 5h7  or 5 hammer 7. Keep your first finger on the 5^th fret because you are going to pull-off of the 7^th fret in the next example.

List to a sample of Hammer on  and then pull off. A rapid hammer on pull off creates a trill. Here is a sample to listen to.

The pull-off results when you release a plucked note with enough force such that the second fretted note rings. This may require a slight side way motion to create enough friction to cause the string to ring out. The sound of the pulled-off note is less pronounced since you aren't using your pick to create it. This also allows your picking hand to do less work. This would be illustrated in guitar tab 7p5 or 7 pull 5.

If you combine these techniques you can create very fast note runs or licks. Imagine how this sequence of hammer-on, pull-off’s would sound when played very quickly  5h7p5h7p5. In deed the hammer-on, pull-off technique is the cornerstone for legato and most speed playing techniques.

It takes time to perfect the technique but it is worth the effort.