In this article we are going to learn how to play hammer on’s and pull off’s.
In the last article/mini guitar lesson you learned how to move the pentatonic pattern 1 around the neck. In this lesson we will expand on that to bring a technique called the “hammer on”.
For example let’s take pattern 1 at the 5th fret (Am).
A “hammer on” is played by holding down the 6th string at the 5th fret and proceed to pick it. Now hit your 4th finger hard down onto the 8th fret hard enough to make the string hit the fret and sound out as loud as if you’d picked it!
You need to practice playing this on all the strings in the scale pattern… and it is known as “hammering on”!!!
Once you are able to play the “hammer on” quickly you will build up your speed over time and find that you will be able to play notes quickly without having to pick the strings individually. This will speed up your overall playing ability…
Try to practice your guitar playing EVERY day, even if you only pick it up for a few minutes, your fingers will become more and more on auto pilot…
To add to the “hammer on” we will now have a go at a technique called the “pull off” and is the next killer technique you must try to master on your road to becoming a great player!
We will start off again using pentatonic pattern one at the 5th fret (Am). Hold down the 8th fret with your 4th finger and also the 5th fret with your first finger on the 6th string.
Now pick the string sounding the note at the 8th fret (C)
Now here’s the clever bit : whilst the note is still ringing flick the string with your 4th finger (pull off) to sound the note at the 5th fret (A). Do not use your pick at all!
Make sure you practice this on all the strings up and down pattern 1.
These great and widely used techniques (hammer on’s and pull off’s) is a regular feature in fantastic sounding solos.
Practice until your fingers bleed! Only joking!!!!
About The Author – Mike Jones: Mike has been teaching and playing guitar as a professional for over two decades. He has created an unique guitar tutoring professionalgram created using his very own unique speed learning techniques to get the beginner through to accomplished player in the shortest possible time. To find out more and receive some super FREE tips and tricks visit his website at: guitar lessons




