The Pull-Off
The pull-off is like a reverse hammer-on, i.e., the first note is picked and the second note sound is created by the finger pulling off the string.
In the following example the D note is played by the middle (m) finger and the C note sound is created by the third finger pulling off the string. The pull-off is indicated by the letter P and a curved line. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are examples of slurs. Slurs are used to give notes a more connected sound.
The Pull-off
Starting position — D note
After Pull-off — C note
To gain control of hammer-ons and pull-offs, it is a good idea to practice them with scales. The following example uses the E minor pentatonic scale and features hammer-ons when ascending and pull-offs when descending. Practice it slowly until you can sound all the notes clearly and evenly without extra unwanted strings sounding.
The next step is to add some slurs to songs or instrumental pieces as shown in the following example which is fingerpicked. Take care with the fingering here. The progression is based around a D major chord.
- D/C indicates a D chord with a C bass note (played by the second finger of the left hand).
- D/B indicates a D chord with a B bass note (played by the first finger of the left hand).
- The p finger also alternates with a bass note on the 3rd string.
Fingerpicking Pattern
This progression is in the key of D major as indicated by the key signature which contains two sharps.
