Introduction to Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs on Bass

Want to make your basslines smoother, faster, and more expressive? Hammer-ons and pull-offs are essential techniques that add fluidity and style to your playing. Used in rock, funk, and jazz, these techniques help you transition between notes without extra plucking. Let’s dive in!

1. What Are Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs?

These are legato (smooth) techniques that allow you to play notes without re-plucking the string.

• 🎯 Hammer-On: Playing a note by “hammering” a finger onto the fretboard instead of plucking.
• 🎯 Pull-Off: Creating a note by pulling your finger off a fret to let a lower note ring out.

Why Use Them?

• ✔ Makes your playing smoother and more connected.
• ✔ Helps you play faster without extra plucking.
• ✔ Used in funk, rock, blues, jazz, and metal.

2. How to Play a Hammer-On

• 1️⃣ Fret a note with your index finger (e.g., 3rd fret on the A string).
• 2️⃣ Pluck the string with your right hand.
• 3️⃣ Immediately press down (“hammer”) a higher fret (e.g., 5th fret on the A string) with another finger without plucking again.

📌 Beginner Exercise

• Play 3rd fret → hammer-on to 5th fret on the A string.
• Repeat on all strings to build strength.

3. How to Play a Pull-Off

• 1️⃣ Fret two notes on the same string (e.g., 5th fret and 3rd fret on the A string).
• 2️⃣ Pluck the string, then pull your higher finger downward slightly (like a small flick) while keeping the lower note fretted.
• 3️⃣ Let the lower note ring out without plucking again.

📌 Beginner Exercise

• Play 5th fret → pull-off to 3rd fret on the A string.
• Repeat on all strings for better control.

4. Combining Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

Once you can do both techniques, try combining them!

🎯 Legato Lick Example (5th to 7th fret on D string):

Hammer-on: 5h7 (play 5th fret, then hammer 7th)
Pull-off: 7p5 (play 7th fret, then pull off to 5th)

🔥 Pro Tip: Start slow and gradually increase speed to develop smoothness.

5. Songs That Use Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

• 🎵 “Under Pressure” – Queen & David Bowie (smooth hammer-ons).
• 🎵 “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson (groovy hammer-ons).
• 🎵 “Hysteria” – Muse (fast legato bassline).
• 🎵 “Tom Sawyer” – Rush (Geddy Lee’s fluid playing).

6. Next Steps: Take Your Bass Playing Further

• 🚀 Use hammer-ons & pull-offs in bass fills to spice up your grooves.
• 🎼 Learn a bassline with legato techniques to apply what you’ve practiced.
• 🎸 Experiment with fast licks for rock, funk, or metal basslines.

💬 Which technique do you struggle with: hammer-ons or pull-offs? Drop a comment below and let’s work on it together! 🎸🔥