How do you hammer-on?

Question

I know that it's basically hitting another note without strumming. I must do this with power and speed, no?

I can't seem to keep it ringing if I hammer on the same pluck more than two times. I've heard people do it plenty of times in one pluck, and it still stays the same. Also, can you do it on acoustic guitar?

Answer 1

Hi!  

It's not just the "hammer-on" it's also the "pull off".  You must do your hammer-on with speed and power, yes, but you also have to pull your finger off the string  with power as well, grabbing the string on your way.

I hope you can get it perfect!!!

Answer 2

Hi there!

Yes, you're right, it does take some speed and power. And it also takes quite a bit of time to get used to, so if you're just starting, give it a little more practice time, it can be hard to perfect at first.

You CAN do this on the acoustic guitar just the same, but it might be a bit harder considering acoustic guitars are a little harder to play, and you might not hear it as loudly.

Also, if you have played  and practiced for a while and you still can't keep it ringing, it may not be you, it may be your equiptment. Most of the time, cheaper equiptment doesn't pick up very well, so go to the store and ask to try out a little bit nicer of an Amplifier or guitar, to see if it all rings out. My guess is, you'll be surprised at how much it does.

God bless!

Answer 3

Well are you using amplification  also if your hammering on thinner strings then the sound is less evident(if playing without amplification. Yes you can hammer on an acoustic guitar.