Hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides…Oh My!

Like the wonderment Dorothy must have felt traveling that yellow brick road, I too tend to feel that same wonderment when working on hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. Especially when used in the context of a tune. There are several reason why we might use these slurs, but the most important to me is variation. Another would be helping to play passages faster, because you don’t have to pick all of the notes, which can facilitate speed. If you’re unfamiliar with any of these slurs, or would like more info follow these links: hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides.

This example is using the higher version of the melody, and the backward-roll. Here’s the Arkansas Traveler using all three slurs:

One thing that is a little tricky is in the first measure. We’re holding the third fret, and not pulling off until the third beat. This can be a little difficult to execute, but with enough repetition and patience, it will become easy. Keep in mind this is only one of hundreds, if not thousands, of different ways you might choose to use slurs. Good luck with this one, and be sure to tune in next time when do the same thing with the lower version of the melody.

Download the printable PDF here.

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