Legato (Hammer-ons & Pull-offs)

Basic Legato Technique for Guitar

Introduction to Legato

Today, let's discuss a bit of basic legato technique. Legato technique consists of:

• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs

These are the two main components of legato technique on the guitar.

Demonstration of the G Major Scale

I'll demonstrate by playing a G major scale descending. First, I'll pick it all, and then I'll play it legato so you can hear the difference.

The Meaning of Legato

The term "legato" means smooth. When I play the scale using only picking, it sounds clean but not particularly smooth. In contrast, when I play it legato with hammer-ons and pull-offs, it sounds much smoother.

Playing the Scale

Here's how it sounds when played legato:

1. Picking with my right hand: I pick the first note on each new string.
2. Generating power from my left hand: All the power for the notes comes from my left hand.

That was the G major scale descending using pull-offs.

• Pull-offs: Used when moving down a legato phrase.
• Hammer-ons: Used when moving up.

Hammer-ons Demonstration

Let me demonstrate hammer-ons quickly, then we'll look at some finer examples. Here's the G major scale performed ascending using hammer-ons:

Practice Techniques for Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

There are a few ways to practice hammer-ons and pull-offs. Let's isolate them:

1. Pick a string: We'll use the D string.
2. Play the open D note.
3. With any finger on your left hand (I'll use my second finger), hammer on to the second fret.

Explanation of Hammer-ons

• When I say "hammer on," I mean I'm physically hammering onto the fretboard with my left hand.
• My right hand won't touch the string after I play the first note.

Here's a slow demonstration:

• I'll pick, then hammer on.

Ensure the hammer-on sounds as loud as the picked note.

Practicing Pull-offs

Now, let's reverse that and practice pull-offs:

1. Pick the second fret first.
2. Without picking again, remove your right hand and pull off to the open D string.

Technique for Pull-offs

• When pulling off, pull to the side of the string instead of coming directly off.
• This technique ensures you generate energy into the open string, resulting in a louder pull-off.

Combining Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Putting it together, we can create a hammer-on followed by a pull-off. Here's how:

1. Pick the open D string, hammer on, then pull off to get this sound.

If we add these together rapidly, we can achieve a trill. For example, here's a trill with the first finger.

Practicing Trills

You can practice trills on any open string or fretted note. You can also try two fretted notes, such as:

• Second fret on the G string
• Hammering on and pulling off from the fourth fret on the B string.

This requires more strength from your left hand because the back-end note must remain fretted.

Applying Techniques to Scales and Melodies

Once comfortable with hammer-ons and pull-offs on one string, you can start applying these techniques to scales or melodies you've learned.

For example, with the G major scale:

• Start at the bottom.
• Pick the first note on each new string.
• Follow this pattern: pick, pick, hammer on, hammer on, pick, hammer on, hammer on, pick.

Descending the Scale

When going back down, we follow the opposite direction:

• Still pick the first note on each string, but use pull-offs in the opposite direction.

This results in a smooth sound compared to all picks, which sounds much less fluid.

Conclusion

Incorporating legato technique into your playing is a valuable addition once you have a reasonable grounding in it. It can enhance the songs you've learned and bring a new level of smoothness to your playing. Happy practicing!