Hammer-Ons, Pull-Offs & Slides
Not every note in a lead line needs its own pick stroke. These three fretting-hand articulations connect notes smoothly, giving lead guitar its fluid, "legato" quality.
The three articulations
- Hammer-on: pick a note, then tap a higher fret down firmly on the same string to sound it — no second pick stroke.
- Pull-off: the reverse — while a fretted note rings, flick that finger off (often slightly sideways) to sound a lower fretted note or open string.
- Slide: pick a note, then move the same finger along the string to a new fret while keeping it pressed down, so the pitch glides between the two notes.
Together these are called legato technique — "smoothly connected" — because the notes flow into each other instead of each one starting with a fresh, separate pick attack.
Common questions
What is a hammer-on on guitar?
Picking one note, then sounding a higher note on the same string by tapping a finger down, without picking again.
What is a pull-off on guitar?
The reverse of a hammer-on — flicking a fretting finger off a ringing note to sound a lower note or open string.
What is a slide on guitar?
Picking a note, then moving the same finger to a new fret while still pressing, so the pitch glides smoothly.
What is legato playing?
Connecting notes smoothly with hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides instead of picking every note, for a fluid, slurred sound.
Build smooth, fluid lead lines
Melody Monkey's slow-down tools let you isolate a legato lick and loop it until it feels effortless.
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