Hammerons

A hammer-on is a guitar playing technique used to produce a note without re-picking the string. It involves rapidly pressing a finger onto a higher fret (or open string to a higher pitch) after the initial note has been sounded, creating a legato connection between the two notes.

Execution typically starts with a plucked note, followed by the left-hand finger hammering onto a higher fret on the same string. The player uses the finger’s force and a quick motion to produce the new pitch while the right hand continues to mute or pluck as needed. Clean hammer-ons require precise fret placement, sufficient finger strength, and control to avoid unwanted notes or muted strings. They can be performed on any string and across various intervals, though smaller jumps are easier for beginners.

In notation, hammer-ons are often indicated in guitar tablature with the letter “h” between the two frets (for example 5h7). In standard notation, they appear as a slur or phrase mark connecting the two notes. A related technique is the pull-off, which plays the reverse motion by releasing a fretted note to a lower pitch without picking again.

Applications of hammer-ons span many genres, including rock, blues, metal, and jazz. They are commonly used to increase speed and fluency in scales, arpeggios, and melodic phrases. Practical tips include starting slowly to ensure accuracy, practicing on different strings, and using proper left-hand positioning to minimize tension and maximize tone.