Guitar Techniques

There are several different guitar techniques you can utilize to embellish a chord or scale. Probably the most common ones are: hammers, pull-offs, trills, slides and bends. Today I'd like to show you how to play a hammer, which is also referred to as a hammer-on.

The hammer technique is easy to do. Just follow these simple steps to give it a try:

• Begin by striking the first string (open E)
  
  
• While the sound is still ringing, use the first finger of your fretting hand to hammer-on the note at the first fret (F). The action is similar to how one might use a hammer to pound a nail.

E: --0^1--

Hint: Only strike the string once with your pick. The second note is created when your finger hammers the string.

Move to the second string and repeat the process.

B: --0^1--

Continue playing the hammer on each string:

E: --0^1--
B: --0^1--
G: --0^1--
D: --0^1--
A: --0^1--
E: --0^1--

Now try playing this technique starting with your first finger on the first fret. Hammer-on with your second finger:

E: --1^2--
B: --1^2--
G: --1^2--
D: --1^2--
A: --1^2--
E: --1^2--

You can also practice playing the hammer on each fret while moving up the neck:

E:--0^1----1^2----2^3----3^4--etc...

Remember: The numbers represent the fret, not your fingers! You can use any finger to play a hammer, but the first and second fingers will be easiest to use.

A hammer can also be used to embelish a chord.

Try this:

• While holding a D Major chord, take your second finger off the first string.


• Strum the chord and while the sound is still ringing, hammer back down on the first string with your second finger.

It may take some practice before you're able to get a good sound, but as your fingers get stronger, the technique will become easier. Work on accuracy. Strive for tonal quality before speed.

Click the link below to learn more...

Guitar Tab Techniques

Till next time...

Keep practicing!

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