Hammer ons and pull offs are essential techniques for all guitarists to have in their repertoire. Especially when it comes to learning to play lead guitar. Although they frequently appear in rhythm guitar patterns as well. Clear hammer ons can be heard in ‘Beast of Burden’ by the Rolling Stones or “Listen to the Music” by the Doobie Brothers. A great example of both hammer ons and pull offs and their application in rock music can be heard in the intro and main riff to ‘Thunderstruck’ the anthemic AC/DC song with one of the most recognizable riffs in rock music. We will take a look at these and other rock tunes later on in the lesson. First, we will take a look at how to execute each of these techniques so you can safely put them away in your bag of tricks.
Hammer on technique
The hammer on consists of striking a note on a string then quickly hammering down another finger on another fret to create a new note. It is usually noted in guitar tablature with a small letter ‘h’, sometimes bracketed, appearing between two note.
A simple hammer-on
A–7-h-9—–|
Pull Off Technique
Pull-offs consist of striking a note with your fingers fretted in two positions on the same string, then quickly pulling a finger off so that the next fretted note down begins to ring. For a tab something 9-p-7 you would need to have a finger on the seventh fret and one on the 9th fret. Strike the ninth fret and pull your finger off to let the 7th fret ring.
Hammer ons and pull offs in music.
The Rolling Stone’s song ‘Beast of Burden’ uses a signature hammer on techniques that makes for a great rhythmic hook and is instantly recognizable. The tab below shows the main riff and how the hammering on on a full chord can be utilized. (hint - these are the bottom halfs of barre chords, but it is alright to play them this way).
E|------------------------------------------------|
B|-7-/-9---9--9--9---12----9----9------------10---|
G|-8-/-9---9--9--9---11----9----9-------------9---|
D|-9-/-9---9--9--9---13---11---11-----9-/-11------|
A|------------------------------------------------|
E|------------------------------------------------|
This chord-based hammer on guitar technique can be heard in songs like Another Brick in the Wall by Pink Floyd, and Listen to the Music by the Doobie Brothers.
Combining the two to further your skill.
When you combine hammer-ons and pull-offs it can also be called ‘finger tapping’. Finger tapping is a technique that brings a whole new finesse and dynamic to your guitar playing. You will sound like a total pro once you have mastered this guitar pro secret. There is a classic metal guitar finger tapping technique tabbed below. It can played on any string, but sounds best on the higher pitched strings. You will need both hands for this one, but there no picking involved.
—-12-p-5—h–8—h–12—
Whats going on here? How many fingers do you have? Ok, the 12th fret is handled solely by your index finger of your picking/strumming hand. You start by fretting the 5fth fret and pressing your index finger on the 12th fret. When you pull your index finger off of the 12th fret, the fifth fret note begins to ring. Quickly hammer your ring or pinky finger down onto the 8th fret, then hammer down your 12th fret with your other hand. Try this slowly at first then speed it up gradually. You will be amazed with how fast you can play this after a few moments of practice.
