TECHNIQUE CHECK…

Hammer-ons and pull-offs

1 HAMMER-ONS: GETTING INTO POSITION

Start with your finger a reasonable distance from the string, perhaps an inch or so. As you get used to it, aim for a half-inch of run up.

2 HAMMER-ONS: LANDINGONTHE STRING

Pluck the open string, then drop your finger onto the fret hard. Most of the movement should come from your knuckle, so the full weight and strength of your finger goes into the string. 3 PULL-OFFS: UPWARD MOTION

As you pull off, instead of lifting straight up, come off the string sideways. The string will bend slightly as you do, which is fine. The sideways movement plucks the string. 4 PULL-OFFS:DOWNWARDMOTION

The movement can be upwards or downwards, though be careful not to pull the string over the edge of the fingerboard.