In this lesson, we’ll have a close look at hammer-ons and pull-offs (specifically when used in fingerpicking).
You’ll learn exactly how to execute them. Plus, a piece of music dedicated to the topic will serve as the application. Enjoy!
This early intermediate lesson features…
… How to really play hammer-ons.
… How to really play pull-offs.
… The 2 main rhythms needed.
… 1 fingerpicking piece as an application.
You can download the tabs by clicking here (search for ‘HG21 – Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs in Fingerpicking’).
Download it. Print it. Use it.
And here is everything else you need to know. Enjoy!
📈 Difficulty
3/10 (This gives you a rough idea of how difficult it is. If you feel it’s actually easier, great. If not, don’t feel bad.)
⏰ Time Estimation
1 Week (This is a rough estimation that can vary widely. If you’re faster, great. If not, don’t feel bad.)
💪 Action Steps
Get comfortable playing hammer-ons while holding C (as demonstrated in the video).
Get comfortable playing pull-offs while holding C (as demonstrated in the video).
Practice bars 1-4 of the application.
Practice bars 5-8 of the application.
Practice bars 9-12 of the application.
Practice bars 13-16 of the application.
Put everything together and play the entire piece.
✏️ Extra Tips
Have your left-hand fingernails short. Long fingernails push your fingers away from the fretboard. You can’t arch them as much as needed here.
When doing hammer-ons, once your finger hits the string, don’t press it down more than you normally would. It sounds better and is more efficient.
When doing pull-offs, pull at the string a little and then let it roll off your fingertip. Just going straight away from the fretboard won’t give you any sound. It’s a curved motion.
🎯 Encouragement
These 2 techniques make the guitar sound like we all love it. Hammer-ons and pull-offs in combination with fingerpicking are an extra challenge (as you usually need to keep holding down a chord). You got this! The reward at the end of this is big.
Talk soon,
Florian from Hi Guitar
