We will now look at an intermediate technique known as Hammer On. Hammer Ons are the first step to being able to playing faster and is pivotal in order to learn advanced solos like Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin or Free bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Just like the other lessons pull offs will take some time to learn, but are worth it in the end.

While Hammer Ons are a intermediate technique, they are actually not very difficult to pull off. To perform a Hammer On we will use the GIF above as a guide. Firstly use your index finger to hold down the seventh fret of the G string, then pluck the G string. While the G string is ringing, slam your index finger on the ninth fret of the G string. To make your note sound sharper when slamming your index finger on the ninth fret, focus more on speed then power. This will cause the string to play the G string’s ninth fret note.

Congratulations you have successfully completed your first Hammer On. Hammer Ons allow for faster note playing while reducing the amount of times the guitarist has to pick.

If you are still struggling with Hammer Ons, check out Mahalo’s video as it provides an easy to follow tutorial to go along with.

Our next lesson will be talking about guitar bends. Guitar bends are used in a lot of blues and rock songs, the goal is to pluck the string and push it up on the fret board. Guitar bends are very simple and let the guitarist begin to experiment with different sounds and explore their fret board.

Performing a bend is extremely easy and we shall go through the steps now. To learn we shall practice with the help of the GIF above. Take your index finger and place it on the string, then take your middle finger and place it one fret above on the same string. By placing two fingers on the string we are able to make the string bend not only sharper, but also able to push the string with less strain on your fingers. Next you are taking your pointer finger and pushing the surrounding string out of the way. This helps to make sure you don’t accidentally pluck the surrounding strings when you’re bending your strings.

Congratulations, you have successfully completed a bend. These are the basics to learning to bend strings. The only thing left to mention is which strings to bend away from your fingers, and which strings to pull to bend. The rule of thumb is the three strings closest to your palm you push, and the three furthest away you pull.

For a more in depth explanation on guitar bending tips and techniques, I highly recommend Justin Guitar’s video on bending. He provides good tips and is very beginner friendly.