Technique #4: Hammer-ons/Pull-offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are very handy, expressive techniques for guitarists, and some of the easier techniques to get down.  The idea is similar to a slide:  you’re playing two notes, picking the first and either hammering-on or pulling-off into the second without picking it.

Hammer-ons

A basic hammer-on is preformed by picking the first note and “hammering” into a note on a higher fret on the same string.  Hammer-ons can also be done without a note prior, hammering directly into the desired fret.

Pull-offs

A pull off  is done by “pulling-off” a fretted note to a note at a fret underneath it.  The second note has to be fretted beforehand of course so this technique requires two fretting fingers to perform.

Join the forum discussion on this post 

All content © Coire Walker 2009 - 2013