How to Do Hammer-Ons on an Electric Guitar

Hammer-ons are a staple technique for guitarists, especially in the world of electric guitar. Whether you’re blasting through a metal solo or adding texture to a melodic line, hammer-ons can make your playing smoother and more expressive. Let’s take a closer look at how you can nail this technique and use it to spice up your playing.

The Basics of Hammer-Ons

So, what exactly is a hammer-on? Simply put, it’s a technique where you “hammer” a finger onto the fretboard to produce a note without picking it. This action creates a smooth transition between notes, making it perfect for fast passages or adding legato feel to your playing.

To perform a hammer-on, start by picking a note with your finger on a fret. For example, press down on the 5th fret of the G string, pick the note, and then, with a quick, firm motion, “hammer” your next finger onto the 7th fret without picking again. This should produce a second note, ringing clearly without additional picking.

• Start slow: Focus on getting a clear, strong sound from each hammer-on.
• Use your fingertips: Make sure you’re using the tip of your finger to get the best impact.
• Practice with a metronome: This helps maintain timing and rhythm.

Interestingly enough, hammer-ons are not just about speed. They’re also about control and precision. You want each note to ring out as clearly as if you had picked it.

Building Strength and Dexterity

Hammer-ons require finger strength and dexterity, especially when you’re playing fast passages. If your fingers aren’t quite up to the task yet, don’t worry—there are ways to build up that strength.

Start with simple exercises to get your fingers moving independently. One classic exercise is the chromatic scale. Play four consecutive frets on each string, moving from the low E string to the high E string, using one finger per fret. This not only helps with finger independence but also with getting those hammer-ons sounding clean.

e|-------------------------1-2-3-4-|
B|-------------------1-2-3-4-------|
G|-------------1-2-3-4-------------|
D|-------1-2-3-4-------------------|
A|---1-2-3-4-----------------------|
E|-1-2-3-4-------------------------|

As you progress, try incorporating hammer-ons into your scales and exercises. For instance, practice hammering on every other note in your major scales. This builds both speed and precision while ingraining the motion into your muscle memory.

Applying Hammer-Ons in Metal and Beyond

In metal music, hammer-ons are often used to add fluidity to riffs and solos. Think of bands like Iron Maiden or Metallica, where guitarists frequently employ hammer-ons for rapid-fire licks and solos. The technique allows them to maintain speed without sacrificing clarity.

To incorporate hammer-ons in a metal context, start with a simple riff. Try hammering on notes within power chord progressions or within pentatonic scales to add flavor. Here’s a basic metal riff incorporating hammer-ons:

e|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|
G|---------------------------|
D|-------------5h7-----------|
A|-----5h7-----------5h7-----|
E|-0-0-----0-0-----0-----0-0-|

Notice how the hammer-ons allow for a smoother transition between notes, making the riff sound more connected and aggressive.

For more advanced techniques and riffs, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists around. They break down complex riffs and solos, showing how hammer-ons can be used effectively in various metal subgenres.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced guitarists can fall into the trap of making common mistakes with hammer-ons. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for, along with tips to avoid them:

• Muffled notes: If your notes sound weak or muffled, make sure you’re using enough force with your hammer-on. It should be firm, but not overly aggressive.
• Inconsistent timing: Use a metronome to ensure your hammer-ons are in sync with the rest of your playing.
• Over-reliance on distortion: While distortion can mask mistakes, it’s important to practice hammer-ons with a clean tone. This helps you hear and correct any inconsistencies.

Remember, it’s all about clarity and consistency. Practice slowly at first, and gradually build up speed as you become more comfortable with the technique.

Hammer-Ons in Different Genres

While hammer-ons are a staple in metal, they’re also widely used in other genres, each with its own unique twist. In blues, for instance, hammer-ons add expression and soul to licks. You might find them in the classic blues shuffle pattern, where they add a distinctive feel to the rhythm.

In rock, hammer-ons can be used to create dynamic solos and riffs. Take a look at classic rock legends like Jimmy Page or Jimi Hendrix, who often used hammer-ons to great effect in their playing.

Even in jazz, hammer-ons can be used to create smooth, flowing lines. Jazz guitarists often use them in combination with pull-offs to create intricate and expressive solos.

By experimenting with hammer-ons in different musical contexts, you can expand your playing and add new dimensions to your sound.

Integrating Hammer-Ons with Other Techniques

Combining hammer-ons with other techniques can open up a whole new world of possibilities on the guitar. For example, pairing hammer-ons with pull-offs creates a legato effect, ideal for fast, fluid runs. This is a common technique in shred guitar, where speed and fluidity are paramount.

You can also combine hammer-ons with slides or bends for added expression. For instance, try hammering onto a note and then sliding up to a higher pitch. This creates a seamless transition that can add depth to your playing.

Another powerful combination is using hammer-ons with tapping. This is a favorite of many metal guitarists who want to create rapid, cascading runs. By hammering on with your fretting hand and tapping with your picking hand, you can achieve incredible speed and complexity.

For more advanced techniques and ideas, check out the lessons on Riffhard. Our instructors cover a wide range of techniques, showing you how to integrate hammer-ons with other styles to create your unique sound.

Practice Tips for Perfecting Hammer-Ons

Practicing hammer-ons effectively requires a strategic approach. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you hone this skill:

• Start slow: Focus on clarity and precision before speed. Use a metronome to keep time and gradually increase the tempo.
• Record yourself: Listening back to your practice sessions can help you identify areas for improvement.
• Try different rhythms: Experiment with different rhythmic patterns, such as triplets or syncopated rhythms, to add variety to your practice.
• Use different fingers: Practice hammer-ons with all your fingers to build strength and dexterity across your hand.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you work on hammer-ons, the more naturally they will become a part of your playing.

Equipment Considerations

Your equipment can also play a role in how effectively you perform hammer-ons. Let’s take a look at a few gear considerations:

• String gauge: Lighter strings can make it easier to perform hammer-ons, especially if you’re playing fast passages. However, heavier strings can provide a fuller sound.
• Action: Lower action can make hammer-ons easier, as the strings are closer to the fretboard. However, be careful not to set it too low, as this can lead to buzzing.
• Pickup setting: Experiment with different pickup settings to find the best tone for hammer-ons. A neck pickup can provide a warmer, smoother sound, while a bridge pickup can add more bite.

Remember, your setup is a personal choice. Experiment with different options to find what works best for your playing style.

Hammer-Ons and Musical Expression

At its core, the hammer-on is a tool for musical expression. It’s not just about technical prowess—it’s about conveying emotion and adding depth to your playing. Whether you’re using hammer-ons to create blazing solos or to add subtle nuances to a melody, they can transform your sound.

Think about the emotion you want to convey with your playing. Are you aiming for aggression, melancholy, or joy? Hammer-ons can help you achieve these emotional goals by providing a smooth, expressive transition between notes.

For a deeper understanding of musical expression and technique, Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists. Our instructors teach not only technique but also how to use these techniques to convey emotion and tell your musical story.

Final Thoughts

Hammer-ons are an essential part of electric guitar playing, offering fluidity and expressiveness to your music. By mastering this technique, you can enhance your playing across genres. If you’re looking to refine your hammer-on skills and explore more advanced techniques, our lessons at Riffhard provide insights and instruction from some of the best modern metal guitarists. Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy the journey of musical discovery!