Musical Hammer On on Guitar
Enough of Boring, Mechanical Exercises
Another day to work on our technique and musicality.
Honestly, guys, the more I am recording this type of video, the more I think this is such an awesome way to practice and play guitar.
Working hard to find a musical way to practice any guitar playing aspect is becoming my mission!
Today we are checking out how to practice the hammer-on technique in the most musical way possible.
The problem I have with the 90% of the hammer on exercises out is that they are the same old mechanical and boring exercises that guitar players have been practicing for years.
I think it’s time to find a new musical solution to practice this useful technique, and today’s hammer on exercise will blow your mind.
Really important!
I will break it down so that most of you will find this exercise simple to play, but if you are a day one beginner, you might want to come back in few months and start with an easier exercise.
And now, without further ado, here is the musical hammer-on exercise on fingerstyle acoustic guitar.
The Video
How to Practice
There are three things that you really have to consider while practicing this hammer on exercise. These three things work together, so missing one point will make the technique hard to achieve.
Here are the three key points:
- Left-hand angle
- Hammer on approach
- Plucking pattern
You will have to consider the way your left hand should be positioned to perform the hammer-on technique correctly.
Keep the palm very close to the bottom neck with the finger close to the frets. This position allows you to smack the fret powerfully you’ll need to do to hammer.
Also, keep the left-hand thumb straight behind the neck so that you can fully control the fingers when performing the hammer.
Start by practicing the movement first without plucking the strings. Do that until the point you feel comfortable, then start plucking the strings.
2. Hammer on approach
The hammer on should sound as loud as a picking note.
There are two movements that you really have to focus on when practicing the hammer-on technique.
The first movement is the hammer on itself, which should be precise, strong, and performed with control. The second movement is the ability to hold the hammered note so that it rings out nicely.
Try to land the finger close to the fret so that the notes ring out fully and hold the fingers down.
3. Plucking Pattern
The way you pluck the strings is of paramount importance if you want to make the hammer sound smooth.
For this example, the right hand will pluck the strings alternating the index and middle finger throughout. The only exception is the hammered note, which isn’t plucked.
The only way you can achieve a good plucking control is to practice the pattern slowly. Try to play everything as evenly as possible.