The legato technique is one of the most useful techniques used on the guitar. It doesn’t matter if you play Classical, Electric, or Acoustic Guitar. You need it! And if you want to add more fluidity to your playing, the legato technique is something you want to improve. In this lesson, I am going to give you three killing legato exercising. These lessons are quite tricky. If you are a beginner, make sure you check if this is the level you are at. If you have a private teacher, ask him if you can start practicing these exercises. Remember that you should stop immediately and rest till the soreness is gone if you feel any pain or discomfort.

What is the legato technique?

The legato technique is a left-hand approach in which the fingers will play the notes by Hammering on or Pulling off the string. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true. You will need to build up your finger’s muscle and accuracy to start seeing results. The legato technique is a challenging yet essential technique, so make sure you always spend a bit of time working on that.

What’s the difference between hammer on and Pull off!

That’s a good question. Before you start practicing these three killing exercises, you must learn the difference between the hammer and Pull off technique. Let’s get started.

• The hammer on (ascending): In this technique, you will be hammering on the fret with one of the left-hand fingers. This technique will allow you to play scales upwards easily and techniques like grace notes and other embellishment kinds. Once you start practicing this technique, you will notice straight away that the little finger (finger 4) will need some extra work out! Don’t worry, this is normal. Give yourself a bit of time and practice purposefully; you will be fine!

The hard thing about the hammer on.

The one most important thing (and also the most difficult) about this technique is the volume. Remember that the note that you “hammer” should always have the same volume as the note you pluck. Many guitar players struggle with that. Don’t get frustrated. It takes time. Keep practicing, and you will fix that in a matter of weeks.

• The Pull off (descending): With this technique, you will be “pulling off” the string with the left-hand fingers. With this technique, you will be playing downward scales and other legato licks with fluidity and speed. It is a fantastic technique that requires a lot of practice and hard work. I find that the pull-off sounds a million times better if you keep the thumb straight behind the neck. Try to lower the thumb and check if you feel more comfortable. I am sure you will gain more control straightaway. Follow the same rule we use for the hammer: If you feel pain, stop immediately!

The hard thing about the pull off.

I reckon that the most challenging thing about the pull-off is that you always have to prepare the finger that comes after the note you are pulling off. I know, it sounds strange. You will see what I mean when you start practicing the exercises.

Which one is the easiest, though! Hammer on or Pull off.

This question is tough to answer. It depends. I find the hammer to be much easier for me. My fingers are more in line and accurate when I perform the technique. The pull-off is more difficult for me. I think I noticed I was naturally good with the hammer, so I worked more on that technique. When I phrase, I typically use more hammer on.

Define your strength!

Always work towards things you are naturally good at. If you feel hammer on is more comfortable for you, practice more of that. Practice both hammer on and pull off at the same time as technique routine, but when you play, implement more of what you are good at. Play purposefully!

Now, let’s get these exercises!

Exercise 1

Strength is everything. Hammer on a Pull off are techniques based on strength. We build strength through repetition. In this exercise, you are going to focus on asymmetrical movement that will force you to use:

A correct posture. Both hammer on and pull off—a fingerstyle approach.

• Bar 1, 2, 3, and 4: Use the hammer-on technique. One thing crucial is to hold the index finger down at all times while you hammer the second note. For example, you are playing the 3rd string fret one with the index finger on bar one. When you play the second note with the hammer on (3rd string fret 2), make sure you hold down the index finger on fret one. Good luck.
• Bar 5,6,7, and 8: Use a pull-off technique here. Remember that you have to prepare the note that comes after the pull off. For example, on bar 5, you are playing the 9th fret on the third string with a pull off. Make sure you prepare the 7th fret (the note that comes right after the pull off) with the index finger.

Exercise 2

In this exercise, we will embellish a chord progression with the hammer on and pull off. It is more challenging to perform the legato technique when you are holding down a chord at the same time. Ensure you keep your thumb straight behind the neck (left hand) and play with the fingertips (left side). The right-hand arpeggio is relatively simple. Practice slowly. The exercise is in A minor key.

• Bar 1 and 2: Play the A minor chord and pull the second string off to change the voicing. Hold down the other fingers.
• Bar 3 and 4: Relax the left hand and play the F major 7th chord without legato.
• Bar 5 and 6: E major chord with pull off on the 4th string.
• Bar 7: Relax the fingers by playing the F major 7th chord without legato.
• Bar 8: Hammer on technique on the third string.

Exercise 3

In this exercise, we will practice the legato technique on single notes using a simple G major scale. This is an excellent way to practice the hammer on and pull off technique. Remember that you want to make sure you don’t overstretch your tendons when you practice this kind of mechanical exercise. Play safe.

• Bar 1: Use the hammer on technique (indicated with the h) and lend on the E minor chord on bar 2.
• Bar 2: E minor chord with a little phrase with pull off (indicated with the p).
• Bar 3: Same as bar 1.
• Bar 4 and 5: G major chord with the same melody in the hammer and pull-off technique.
• Bar 6 and 7: C major chord with the same melody in the hammer and pull-off technique.
• Bar 8: End the exercise with an E minor chord.

Thank you very much for your support, guys. I hope you enjoy this lesson! Make sure you subscribe to the YouTube channel or the Newsletter and keep updated with the upcoming stuff!

Marco Cirillo is a guitar teacher based in London since 2011. He works relentlessly on his YouTube channel and private lessons helping many people with playing guitar.