Yes, you can absolutely write hammer-ons in guitar tab! It’s a fundamental skill for any guitarist looking to accurately represent their music in guitar tab notation. This guide will walk you through the process, making it simple and straightforward. We’ll cover everything from the basics of guitar tablature explanation to more advanced concepts.
What is a Hammer-On?
A hammer-on technique is a way to play notes on the guitar without picking each individual note. Instead, you pick a note, and then “hammer” another finger down onto a higher fret on the same string. This creates a smooth, connected sound, often referred to as legato guitar. It’s a crucial part of creating fluid and expressive guitar playing.
Why Use Tablature for Hammer-Ons?
Guitar tablature explanation is a visual representation of the guitar fretboard. It shows you which string to play and which fret to press. This makes it incredibly useful for documenting techniques like hammer-ons because it clearly indicates the fingering and the resulting notes.
The Basic Hammer-On Notation
The most common way to write a hammer-on in guitar tab is by using the letter “h” between the two fret numbers.
Here’s how it looks:
e|—————–| B|—————–| G|—————–| D|—–5h7———| A|—————–| E|—————–|
Interpreting this tab:
- You would pick the note on the 5th fret of the D string.
- Immediately after picking, you would quickly and forcefully press down (hammer on) a finger onto the 7th fret of the same D string.
- The “h” signifies the hammer-on action.
Building Your Hammer-On Skills with Tab
Let’s break down how to practice and write more complex hammer-ons.
Single Hammer-Ons
Start with simple one-finger hammer-ons.
Example:
e|—————–| B|—————–| G|—–2h4———| D|—————–| A|—————–| E|—————–|
This means pick the 2nd fret of the G string, then hammer-on to the 4th fret of the G string.
Multiple Hammer-Ons
You can chain hammer-ons together to create fluid runs.
Example:
e|————————-| B|————————-| G|—–2h4h5—————| D|————————-| A|————————-| E|————————-|
This tab indicates:
- Pick the 2nd fret of the G string.
- Hammer-on to the 4th fret of the G string.
- Immediately hammer-on from the 4th fret to the 5th fret of the G string.
The key is to maintain pressure and fluidity. You only pick the very first note.
Hammer-Ons with Different Strings
Hammer-ons can occur across different strings, but the tab notation usually reflects this by showing the sequences on separate lines or clearly indicating which string is being played.
Example:
e|—————–| B|—–3h5———| G|—————–| D|—————–| A|—————–| E|—————–|
Here, you’d pick the 3rd fret of the B string and then hammer-on to the 5th fret of the B string.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs: The Dynamic Duo
Hammer-ons are often paired with pull-off tab for even more intricate legato guitar. A pull-off is the opposite of a hammer-on: you pick a note and then pull your fretting finger off the string, allowing a previously fretted lower note to ring out.
The notation for a pull-off is typically the letter “p”.
Example of Hammer-On and Pull-Off:
e|————————-| B|—–3h5p3—————| G|————————-| D|————————-| A|————————-| E|————————-|
Deciphering this tab:
- Pick the 3rd fret of the B string.
- Hammer-on to the 5th fret of the B string.
- Pull-off from the 5th fret back to the 3rd fret of the B string.
This creates a smooth “up and down” motion on the fretboard.
Advanced Hammer-On Techniques and Their Tab Representation
While the “h” and “p” are standard, there are nuances to consider.
Multiple Finger Hammer-Ons
Sometimes, you’ll use different fingers for hammer-ons. The tab doesn’t explicitly show which finger to use, but the fret numbers will guide your placement. For example, to hammer-on from the 5th fret to the 7th fret, you might use your index finger for the 5th and your ring finger for the 7th.
Hammer-Ons from Open Strings
You can also hammer-on from an open string. In this case, the fret number for the open string is “0”.
Example:
e|—————–| B|—–0h3———| G|—————–| D|—————–| A|—————–| E|—————–|
This means play the open B string (no fret pressed) and then hammer-on to the 3rd fret of the B string.
Hammer-Ons in Different Musical Contexts
Hammer-ons are used in various styles and techniques.
Rock and Metal
In rock and metal, hammer-ons are often used for fast scale runs and melodic passages. They contribute to a powerful, connected sound.
Blues and Jazz
Blues and jazz guitarists use hammer-ons for expressive phrasing, adding a soulful feel to their solos.
Shred Guitar
Shred guitar heavily relies on legato guitar techniques, including rapid hammer-ons and pull-offs, to achieve incredibly fast and intricate playing.
Hammer-Ons vs. Other Techniques: What’s the Difference in Tab?
It’s important to distinguish hammer-ons from other techniques that might sound similar but are notated differently.
String Bending Tab
String bending tab indicates a bend with an arrow or the letters “b” and “r” (for bend and release).
Example:
e|—–5b7———|
This means bend the note at the 5th fret up to the pitch of the 7th fret. This is different from a hammer-on, where you physically fret a higher note.
Slide Guitar Tab
Slide guitar tab uses an “s” for a slide, indicating you slide into or out of a note.
Example:
e|—–5s7———|
This means play the 5th fret and slide up to the 7th fret. The finger remains on the string during the slide.
Tapping Guitar
Tapping guitar involves using your picking hand to “tap” notes on the fretboard. While it can sound similar to a hammer-on, the tab notation will often use “t” for tapping.
Example:
e|—–5h7t10——|
This would mean pick the 5th fret, hammer-on to the 7th fret, and then tap the 10th fret with your picking hand.
Tips for Writing and Reading Hammer-Ons in Tab
- Be Precise: Always ensure the fret numbers are correct and the “h” (or “p”) is placed between them.
- Context is Key: Look at the surrounding notes and rhythm. This helps confirm if a hammer-on is intended.
- Listen to the Music: If you’re transcribing, listen carefully to how the notes connect. This is the ultimate guide.
- Use Different Fingers: For smooth hammer-ons, especially across multiple frets, experiment with using your index, middle, and ring fingers.
- Practice Both Ways: Practice hammer-ons from lower frets to higher frets, and also from higher frets to lower frets (though this is less common and usually involves a specific technique).
Common Pitfalls When Writing Hammer-On Tab
- Forgetting the “h”: This is the most common mistake. Without the “h,” the tab looks like two separate picked notes.
- Incorrect Fret Numbers: Double-check that the fret numbers accurately reflect the notes you intend to hammer onto.
- Overlapping Techniques: Don’t confuse hammer-ons with slides or bends in your tab. Use the correct notation for each.
- Not Indicating Rhythm: While tab doesn’t always show precise rhythm, indicating pauses or emphasis can help clarify complex hammer-on passages.
Let’s Practice Writing Some Hammer-Ons!
Imagine you want to play a sequence on the high E string: starting on the 7th fret, hammer-on to the 10th, and then hammer-on to the 12th.
Here’s how you’d write it in tab:
e|—–7h10h12—–| B|—————–| G|—————–| D|—————–| A|—————–| E|—————–|
Now, let’s add a pull-off. From the 12th fret, pull off to the 10th, then hammer-on to the 14th.
e|—–7h10h12p10h14—| B|——————–| G|——————–| D|——————–| A|——————–| E|——————–|
Remember, the rhythm would dictate how long each note is held and how quickly you transition between them.
Fretboard Notation and Hammer-Ons
Fretboard notation is essentially what tablature is – a visual map of the guitar’s fretboard. When you see numbers on the lines of a guitar tab, you are looking at fretboard notation. The numbers tell you which fret to press on which string. The “h” symbol then adds the specific technique of a hammer-on to that notation.
Hammer-Ons in Different Picking Techniques
While hammer-ons are primarily a fretting-hand technique, your picking techniques play a role in how clean and articulate they sound.
- Alternate Picking: You might pick the initial note, and your picking hand continues a light rhythmic motion, allowing the hammer-on to ring out clearly.
- Economy Picking: For rapid-fire hammer-ons, your picking hand might synchronize with the hammer-on, creating a very fluid and efficient sound.
- Hybrid Picking: Using a pick and fingers simultaneously can help achieve a unique articulation with hammer-ons.
The tab itself won’t dictate your picking hand technique, but the intended sound will often suggest the best approach.
FAQ: Your Hammer-On Tab Questions Answered
Q: Do I need to pick every note in a hammer-on sequence in the tab?
A: No. You only pick the first note in a hammer-on sequence. The “h” symbol tells you to hammer your fretting finger down to create the subsequent notes.
Q: What if the tab shows “5–7” without an “h”?
A: If there’s no “h” or “p,” it usually implies picking both notes. However, in some contexts, especially for very smooth phrasing, a guitarist might intend a hammer-on even without the explicit “h.” If you’re learning from a specific transcriber, it’s best to follow their convention or listen to the recording for clarification.
Q: Can I hammer-on to any fret?
A: You can technically hammer-on to any fret, but for the sound to be clear and controlled, it’s best to use the fretting fingers you have available. Typically, you’ll hammer-on to a fret that’s one or two frets higher, often using a different finger than the one on the initial note.
Q: How do I know which finger to use for a hammer-on in the tab?
A: The tab itself doesn’t usually specify which finger to use. You’ll need to use your knowledge of fretboard notation and common fingering patterns. For a hammer-on from fret 5 to fret 7, you might use your index finger on fret 5 and your ring finger on fret 7. Experimentation is key!
Q: Is “h” the only way to write a hammer-on in guitar tab?
A: While “h” is the most universally recognized symbol for a hammer-on, some tab creators might use variations or rely on context. However, if you’re learning or transcribing, sticking to “h” is the safest bet for clarity.
Q: How does hammer-on tab differ from pull-off tab?
A: Hammer-on tab uses “h” to indicate hammering down onto a higher fret, while pull-off tab uses “p” to indicate pulling off to a lower fretted note. Both are crucial for legato guitar playing.
Q: Can I use hammer-ons with string bending tab or slide guitar tab?
A: Yes, these techniques can be combined. For example, you might hammer-on to a note and then bend it, or slide into a note and then hammer-on to the next. The tab will use the appropriate symbols consecutively to indicate this.
Q: Does hammer-on tab affect my picking techniques?
A: While the tab doesn’t dictate picking, executing clean hammer-ons often involves a specific picking approach to ensure the initial note rings out clearly without being muffled by the hammer-on.
Conclusion
Mastering the hammer-on technique is a vital step in becoming a more fluid and expressive guitarist. By accurately using and interpreting guitar tab notation, you can learn and share this essential skill. Whether you’re playing rock, blues, or metal, understanding how to write and read hammer-ons in tab will significantly improve your playing and your ability to communicate music. So grab your guitar, study the tab, and let those legato notes sing!