Hammer-ons, pull-offs and slides are techniques which allow nuances of tone and the expression of dynamics on the guitar. These basic skills will be an essential addition to your "tool bag" of guitar techniques.A hammer-on is accomplished by playing a note on the fretboard and then "hammering on" (fretting) another note on the same string. This results in two notes, the second note being higher in pitch than the first note. A hammer-on gives the picking hand a "break" since only one note is actually picked, while two notes are played. Here's how it works: Pick the D string (the fourth string) open (without fingering), and then quickly and firmly bring your second finger down behind the second fret. By doing this you can get two eighth notes while your picking hand has only been required to pick a quarter note. Here is another hammer-on: Pick the high E string (the first string) with your first finger behind the third fret. Then, quickly and firmly bring your third finger down behind the fifth fret. The notes are G to A. The hammer-on is such an excellent way to get two notes while your picking hand only does the work of one!
A pull-off is the reverse of a hammer-on. The pull-off is accomplished by picking a fretted note and then releasing the string to a lower note. Hold your second finger on the D string behind the second fret and pick--and then very quickly pull your finger off of the string. Did you hear the two notes? (E followed by D).
A slide is achieved by playing a note on the fretboard and (while the note is still ringing) sliding the fretting finger up or down the string to another note. Put your second finger down on the D string behind the fourth fret. Pick that not and just slide your finger up one fret. Now do the reverse: Pick the note while your finger is behind the fifth fret and then quickly slide down to the fourth fret.
Incorporating all three of these techniques into your guitar playing can help you play faster, since your picking hand executes fewer notes. Combining these techniques can help you to create some very fast and interesting licks for your lead guitar solos.
