Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Legato techniques where notes are created by fretting hand actions alone, creating smooth, flowing melodic lines.

intermediateFretting TechniqueJazz guitar improvisation • Classical guitar techniques

Why Learn This Technique?

  • •Smooth, legato phrasing
  • •Increased speed in runs
  • •Unique tonal character
  • •Finger strength development
  • •Essential for many musical styles

Applications

Jazz guitar improvisationClassical guitar techniquesRock and metal leadFolk fingerpicking stylesBlues expression

Prerequisites

  • •Basic fretting technique
  • •Finger independence

Common Mistakes

  • •Weak hammer-ons that don't ring clearly
  • •Pull-offs that sound like plucks
  • •Uneven timing between notes
  • •Not maintaining proper fretting pressure
  • •Neglecting the picking hand

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Step 1

Start with a picked note at the 5th fret, A string

💡 Tip:

Pick the note normally to establish the sound

⚠️ Common Mistake:

Starting too complex - begin simple

2

Step 2

Hammer-on: Strike down with finger to fret 7

💡 Tip:

Use finger strength, not just placement

⚠️ Common Mistake:

Gently placing finger instead of striking

3

Step 3

Pull-off: Keep pressure and pull finger sideways off string

💡 Tip:

Slightly pluck the string as you release

⚠️ Common Mistake:

Lifting straight up without lateral motion

4

Step 4

Practice the combination: Pick-Hammer-Pull

💡 Tip:

Make all three notes equal volume

⚠️ Common Mistake:

Hammer-on and pull-off too quiet

5

Step 5

Apply to scales and musical phrases

💡 Tip:

Start slow and focus on clarity

⚠️ Common Mistake:

Rushing the technique

Practice Exercises

Basic Hammer-on Exercise

beginner60-100 BPM

Develop strong, clear hammer-ons

Steps:

  1. 1.Pick 5th fret, A string
  2. 2.Hammer-on to 7th fret
  3. 3.Ensure clear, strong sound
  4. 4.Practice on all strings
  5. 5.Gradually increase tempo

Practice Goals:

  • •Clear, strong hammer-ons
  • •Consistent volume
  • •Proper finger strength

Pull-off Mastery

beginner60-100 BPM

Perfect the pull-off technique

Steps:

  1. 1.Fret both 5th and 7th frets
  2. 2.Pick the 7th fret note
  3. 3.Pull-off to reveal 5th fret
  4. 4.Focus on sideways finger motion
  5. 5.Practice smooth releases

Practice Goals:

  • •Smooth pull-offs
  • •Equal note volumes
  • •Clean technique

Legato Scale Runs

intermediate80-120 BPM

Apply legato to scale patterns

Steps:

  1. 1.Choose A minor pentatonic scale
  2. 2.Use hammer-ons for ascending notes
  3. 3.Use pull-offs for descending notes
  4. 4.Pick only the first note of each string
  5. 5.Create smooth, flowing lines

Practice Goals:

  • •Smooth legato phrasing
  • •Consistent timing
  • •Musical expression

Troubleshooting

❌ Problem: Hammer-ons don't ring clearly

✅ Solution:

Strike with more force, ensure proper finger curve, build finger strength

❌ Problem: Pull-offs sound weak

✅ Solution:

Add slight sideways plucking motion, maintain pressure until release

❌ Problem: Timing is uneven

✅ Solution:

Practice with metronome, start slower, focus on steady rhythm

Daily Practice Routine

Routine Structure

🔥 Warm-Up (5 mins)

  • •Finger independence exercises
  • •Basic hammer-on practice
  • •Simple pull-off work

💪 Main Practice (15 mins)

  • •Combined hammer-on/pull-off phrases
  • •Scale applications
  • •Speed development
  • •Musical context practice

🎯 Cool Down (5 mins)

  • •Slow, controlled legato
  • •Hand relaxation
  • •Finger stretches

Daily Goals

1
Improve clarity and strength
2
Develop smooth phrasing
3
Build finger independence

Famous Uses

"Eruption"

by Van Halen

Lightning-fast legato runs

"Little Wing"

by Jimi Hendrix

Expressive legato phrasing

"Classical Gas"

by Mason Williams

Smooth melodic lines using legato

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