Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs on Guitar: Cleanest Execution

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are how you play notes without picking them. The fretting hand does all the work. The pick stays out of the way. Done correctly, the technique sounds smooth (legato in classical terms). Done badly, the technique sounds quiet, weak, or not at all.

The Hammer-On

Pick a note. While the note is still ringing, slam another finger down on a higher fret of the same string. The new note sounds without being picked.

Example: pick the open D string. While it rings, hammer your index finger down on the 2nd fret of the D string. You now hear an E note without picking it again.

The hammer must be hard and fast. A soft, slow hammer produces a weak, muddy note. The finger should hit the string like a small hammer hitting a nail.

The Pull-Off

The reverse. Pick a note that's already fretted. While the note rings, pull your finger off the fret in a way that plucks the string slightly as it leaves. The next-lowest note (whatever's underneath, often an open string) rings.

Example: hold the 2nd fret of the D string with your index. Pick the string. Pull the index finger off in a downward, plucking motion. The open D string rings.

The pull-off must include a small downward motion (toward the floor) so the finger plucks the string as it releases. Just lifting the finger straight up doesn't work; the string stops vibrating but no new note sounds.

The Combined Trill

Hammer-on and pull-off in rapid alternation produces a trill. Hold the lower note, pick once, then alternate hammer-pull-hammer-pull as fast as you can without re-picking. The two notes alternate continuously.

Used in lead guitar for ornaments and in folk for melodic decoration.

Strength: Why Your Hammers Sound Weak

Three reasons:

• You're not hitting hard enough. The hammer should be a fast, focused strike. If your finger drifts to the fret, the note doesn't ring. Strike like you mean it.
• You're hitting too far back. The finger should land just behind the metal fret wire. Hitting in the middle of the fret produces a buzzy or muffled note.
• The original note is decaying too much. Hammer-ons work by transferring the energy of the still-ringing string. If the original note is barely audible by the time you hammer, the hammered note will be even quieter. Hammer quickly.

The Drill

For 5 minutes daily: pick the open A string. Hammer the 2nd fret with your index. Pull off back to open. Pick the open A string. Hammer the 4th fret with your ring. Pull off. Repeat for two minutes on each string.

Do the same drill on every string. Over two weeks, your hammer-on and pull-off notes should ring almost as loud as picked notes.

Songs That Use Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

• "Wonderwall" uses pull-offs in the verse.
• "Stairway to Heaven" intro uses hammer-ons throughout.
• "Sweet Child O' Mine" intro is hammer-on heavy.
• Most Hendrix. Heavy use of legato.

Common Mistakes

• Hammering with the finger pad. Use the fingertip. The pad is too soft to drive the string into the fret cleanly.
• Pulling off straight up. Add the small plucking motion. Otherwise the next note doesn't sound.
• Practicing slowly. Hammer-ons need to be fast. Slow hammers don't transfer enough energy. Practice at moderate tempo, not slow.

FAQ: Hammer-On and Pull-Off Questions

What's the difference between a hammer-on and a slide?

A hammer-on starts a new note by striking the fret. A slide starts a new note by sliding the finger to a new fret while the string still rings. Both produce notes without re-picking.

How hard should I hammer?

Harder than feels comfortable. The strike should drive the string into the fret with enough force to produce a clear note. Too soft and the note dies.

Why doesn't my pull-off produce a note?

Because you're not plucking the string as the finger leaves. Add a small downward motion. The finger should slip off the fret with a slight pull, like flicking a coin.

Can I use hammer-ons and pull-offs on any string?

Yes. The technique works on every string. Practice on each one because the muscle feel is slightly different on the wound bass strings vs the unwound treble strings.

Are hammer-ons and pull-offs the same as legato?

Legato is a broader term that includes hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, and any technique that connects notes smoothly without re-picking. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are two of the most common legato techniques.