Lesson 6
The topics for this lesson are the Hammer and Pulloff techniques and the Drop-D tuning.
Lets look at Drop-D tuning first.Guitarists often tune their strings differently from the standard E, A, D, G, B, E. A tuning many rock and metal players use is Drop-D. All you need to do is tune the low E (6th string) down 1 tone (2 frets) to D. If you bought a Marshall Rock Kit you can use the supplied guitar tuner for this.
Your tuning should now be D, A, D, G, B, E.
Example 2 - here is a G 5 power chord using Drop-D tuning.
Note - In Drop-D the root note is 2 frets higher than in standard tuning.
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Hammer-ons
A Hammer-on is a technique where two notes are heard but only the first note is played by the picking hand. Try example 3, play the note on the 5th fret 1st string with the first finger of the left hand. Now firmly strike the 7th fret 1st string with your 3rd finger.
Example 3 - 1st string Hammer-on.
Note - H is an abbreviation of Hammer-on.
Video DownloadPull-offs
A Pull-off is a Hammer-on in reverse. Example 4 is a Pull-off from the 7th fret to the 5th fret on the 3rd string. Place your 1st finger on the 5th fret then put your 3rd finger on the 7th fret. Pick the note on the 7th fret now pull your 3rd finger off, the note on the 5th fret will now be sounding. The finger playing the Pull-off needs to pull the note off at about 45 degrees actually plucking the string so it keeps the next note ringing. The angle of the Pull-off is very important, if you get this wrong the second note won't sound clearly.
Example 4 - 3rd string Pull-off.
Note - P is an abbreviation of Pull-off.
Video DownloadTips
When playing Pull-offs be careful to avoid the string below the string of the Pull-off. Use your 1st finger to mute the strings below the Pulled-off note. This obviously does not apply to Pull-offs on the first string.
The following riff uses Drop-D tuning, power chords, string slides and Hammers and Pull-offs.
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