Mastering Legato Guitar: From Exercises to Licks

Legato Technique Mastery: Hammer-ons, Pull-offs, and Flick-offs

This lesson focuses on developing your legato skills on the guitar. Legato playing involves connecting notes smoothly without picking each one individually, creating a fluid and expressive musical line. We'll explore three fundamental legato techniques: hammer-ons, pull-offs, and flick-offs.

Hammer-ons

Hammer-ons involve striking a string with a fingertip to produce a note, without using a pick. Practice transitioning smoothly between notes, focusing on accuracy and clean articulation. Start with slow, deliberate practice and gradually increase speed as your accuracy improves. Experiment with different finger combinations to find what feels most comfortable.

Pull-offs

Pull-offs are the opposite of hammer-ons. You pluck a note and then pull a finger off the string to produce the next note. Focus on maintaining a consistent tone and avoiding any unwanted muting. Practice various finger combinations and rhythmic patterns to develop control and fluidity.

Flick-offs

Flick-offs are a more advanced legato technique. They involve using a quick flick of the finger to pluck the string and produce a note. This technique requires precision and control. Start with slow practice and gradually increase speed as your technique improves. Combine flick-offs with hammer-ons and pull-offs for more complex legato phrases.

Putting it Together

Once you've mastered the individual techniques, practice combining them in various sequences and patterns. Experiment with different rhythmic variations and try incorporating legato into your existing guitar playing. Remember, consistent practice is key to developing smooth and expressive legato technique.

This lesson provides a foundation for developing your legato skills. With dedicated practice, you'll be able to create fluid and expressive guitar lines, adding a new dimension to your playing.