How to Hammer a Guitar String

Slamming out a killer riff on your guitar is exhilarating, but if you want to add flair and dynamics to your playing, mastering hammer-ons is crucial. The hammer-on technique is a staple in the guitar world, especially in metal genres. It adds smoothness and speed to your playing, making it a go-to move for many guitarists. So, let’s break down this essential skill and see how it can transform your play style.

Understanding Hammer-Ons

Before diving into the intricacies, let’s clarify what a hammer-on actually is. A hammer-on is a technique where you play a note without picking it again. You do this by “hammering” your finger onto the fretboard, causing the note to sound. It’s a great way to link notes smoothly and increase speed, especially in fast solos or intricate riffs.

Picture this: you’re playing a scale on the guitar. Normally, you’d pick each note. With hammer-ons, you pick the first note and then use your finger to “hammer” onto the next note, letting the vibration of the string carry the sound. It’s efficient and adds a legato quality to your playing.

• Efficiency: Less picking means less movement, making your play smoother.
• Speed: Because you’re not picking each note, you can play faster sequences.
• Dynamics: Hammer-ons allow for expressive playing, adding character to your notes.

This technique is especially useful in metal subgenres, where speed and precision are paramount. Think of guitarists like John Petrucci or Jeff Loomis, who use hammer-ons to create those blistering-fast solos that leave audiences in awe.

Basic Hammer-On Technique

Let’s get into the nuts and bolts of how to execute a basic hammer-on. First, you’ll need to pick a string and fret a note. Let’s say you’re on the high E string, fretting the 5th fret with your index finger. You pick the note, then quickly and firmly bring your middle finger down on the 7th fret. The key is to use enough force to make the note ring clearly without picking again.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Pick the first note: Start by picking the note on the 5th fret of the high E string.
2. Position your hand: Keep your hand relaxed, with your wrist slightly bent. Your fingers should hover above the strings, ready to move.
3. Hammer the next note: Quickly bring your middle finger down on the 7th fret. The action should be swift and precise, ensuring the note rings out.
4. Practice the motion: Repeat this motion slowly, focusing on clarity and timing. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

Remember, the goal is to make the second note sound as strong as the first. It might take some time to get it right, but with practice, it’ll become second nature.

Hammer-Ons in Metal: Why They Matter

Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s talk about why hammer-ons are so crucial in metal guitar. Metal guitarists love speed and aggression in their playing, and hammer-ons deliver just that. They allow for quick note transitions without the need for constant picking, which is vital when playing at high tempos.

Consider bands like Archspire or Animals as Leaders. These groups push the boundaries of speed and technicality. Hammer-ons help create those rapid-fire riffs and solos that define their sound. They’re a key ingredient in the fluid, speedy runs that characterize much of modern metal.

• Fluidity: Hammer-ons allow guitarists to connect notes seamlessly, creating a more fluid sound.
• Speed: By reducing the need for constant picking, hammer-ons enable faster play.
• Expression: Dynamic control is enhanced, allowing for more expressive playing.

Interestingly enough, hammer-ons also contribute to the percussive elements in genres like djent and progressive metal, where rhythmic precision is just as important as melodic content.

Practicing Hammer-Ons

Practice is the backbone of any technique, and hammer-ons are no exception. Start slow, focusing on clarity and timing. Use a metronome to keep your timing precise, and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.

Here’s a simple exercise:

1. Pick a note on the 5th fret of the D string.
2. Hammer-on to the 7th fret with your middle finger.
3. Repeat the process up and down the fretboard, changing strings and frets.
4. Use a metronome to increase your speed in increments, ensuring clarity at each tempo.

Practicing with backing tracks can also be beneficial. It helps you apply the technique in a musical context, making it easier to incorporate into your playing. If you’re looking for structured lessons on this and other metal guitar techniques, Riffhard offers a wealth of resources, including lessons from renowned metal guitarists.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As with any technique, there are common pitfalls to watch out for when mastering hammer-ons. One of the most frequent issues is not using enough force, resulting in a weak or muted sound. In contrast, using too much force can lead to unnecessary tension in your hand, which is counterproductive.

Here are some tips to avoid these mistakes:

• Find the right pressure: Experiment with the amount of force needed to produce a clear note without straining your hand.
• Relax your hand: Tension can cause fatigue and limit your speed. Keep your hand relaxed, only applying pressure when necessary.
• Focus on timing: Ensure that your hammer-on is in time with the music. This will help maintain the rhythm and feel of your playing.

It’s also important to maintain a consistent volume between the picked note and the hammered note. This ensures that your hammer-ons blend seamlessly with your overall playing. If you need more guidance, check out the lessons at Riffhard to see how top metal guitarists handle these techniques.

Incorporating Hammer-Ons into Your Riffs

Once you’ve got the hang of hammer-ons, it’s time to integrate them into your riffs. This is where the magic happens. Hammer-ons can add a dynamic element to your riffs, making them more interesting and engaging.

Start by analyzing some of your favorite metal riffs. Notice how often hammer-ons are used to connect notes and create a sense of flow. Then, try incorporating them into your own riffs. Begin with simple sequences and gradually build complexity as you become more confident.

Here’s a simple example to get you started:

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

This basic pattern can be expanded and modified to fit different musical contexts. Experiment with different positions and fret combinations to create unique and compelling riffs.

For a deeper dive into riff writing using hammer-ons, consider exploring lessons on Riffhard, where you can learn from some of the best metal guitarists in the world.

Hammer-Ons and Lead Guitar

Hammer-ons aren’t just for riffing; they’re a vital component of lead guitar playing as well. In solos, hammer-ons can add speed and fluidity, allowing for fast runs and expressive phrasing.

Think of guitarists like Eddie Van Halen, who popularized the use of hammer-ons in solos with his two-handed tapping technique. While tapping is a more advanced use of hammer-ons, the same principles apply. Hammer-ons can make your solos more dynamic and expressive.

To practice, start by incorporating hammer-ons into your scale exercises. This will help you build the speed and precision needed for more complex solos. Focus on clarity and timing, ensuring each note rings out clearly.

For more advanced techniques and soloing strategies, Riffhard offers lessons from guitarists like Jason Richardson and Javier Reyes, who are known for their incredible lead playing skills.

Advanced Hammer-On Techniques

Once you’re comfortable with basic hammer-ons, it’s time to explore more advanced techniques. One such technique is the hammer-on from nowhere, where you play a note with a hammer-on without picking the string first. This requires precision and control but can add a unique element to your playing.

Here’s how to practice it:

1. Select a note on the fretboard, for example, the 7th fret on the G string.
2. Without picking, use your finger to hammer onto the fret.
3. Focus on producing a clear sound without any initial pick attack.
4. Practice this technique across different strings and frets to build consistency.

Another advanced technique is the use of hammer-ons in arpeggios. This involves playing a series of notes from a chord using hammer-ons to connect the notes smoothly. It’s a great way to add complexity and speed to your arpeggios.

These advanced techniques can take time to master, but they add a new dimension to your playing. For detailed lessons on these and other advanced techniques, check out the resources available at Riffhard.

Final Thoughts

Hammer-ons are a powerful tool in any guitarist’s arsenal, especially in the fast-paced world of metal. They add speed, fluidity, and expression to your playing, making them a technique worth mastering. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists out there, helping you take your playing to the next level. Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy the journey of mastering hammer-ons!