Part 9: Pentatonics become musical choices · Lesson 084 / 117
Hammer-ons keep the second note intentional
Sound a higher fretted note without a second pick attack.
A hammer-on creates a second, higher note by placing a fretting finger firmly onto a higher fret after the first note has sounded. Use a small controlled movement rather than excessive force.
On the B string, pick E at fret 5 and hammer onto G at fret 8. The notes are still E and G. The technique changes how the second note begins, not what its pitch or rhythmic duration means.
First pick both notes in time. Then replace the second pick with the hammer-on while keeping the same intended rhythm. Compare the second note's clarity and volume. If it is faint, slow down and adjust the contact rather than speeding through it.
A hammer-on does not automatically mean very fast playing. You can place its second note on a clear beat or subdivision just like any other note.
Hear it
Separately picked E and G target references
Audio fileFour-beat count-in · 60 BPM · Warm sampled electric guitar. Listen once before playing along.
A concrete example
B string 5h8 means E hammered to G. If the notes are eighth notes, E starts on a number and G on the following and.
Try it, slowly
- Pick both target notes slowly.
- Repeat with only the first note picked.
- Keep the two-note rhythm steady and listen for a clear second pitch.
Check one idea
Does using a hammer-on change G into a different scale degree?
Show the explanation
No. G remains b7 above A in this context. The articulation changes, while the pitch relationship remains the same.
A good place to stop
You can separate the choice of notes and timing from the technique used to sound them.
Return to the example after a short break. A clear explanation matters more than speed.