Hey Friend,
Today, we’re looking at an example of using hammer-ons and pull-offs in chords.
I mentioned on Wednesday that by switching up some open chords can easily be done by changing the three note of the chord. You can change the note to the perfect fourth of the scale, or you can take it down to the major second note.
By changing the chord fingering, you’ve also changed the chord.
In the case of this D chord, the three note is the F# on the first string (second fret). Raise the three note to the perfect fourth and it becomes a Dsus4 chord. Lower the three note and it becomes a Dsus2.
Of course, your other two fingers stay right where they are - you don’t have to move them.
The Exercises
Start with an open D major chord.
Practice fingering this using the index finger on the third string, second fret, your ring finger on the second string, third fret and middle finger on the first string, second fret. This is the first two bars in the exercise.
Next, you’re going to “pull-off” your middle finger from the first string to produce the Dsus2 chord.
As you take your middle finger away from the string, slightly pull the string as if you’re plucking it. This will cause the string to sound the open E note (which is the major second interval in the D major scale, where the notes for D come from).
In the third set of bars, you’ll play D and then add your pinky finger to the third fret on the first string. This changes the chord to Dsus4, using the G note.
It might take some practice to get your pinky strong, so work at it until the G note is nice and clear.
The use of these chords with a pull-off and hammer-on is perfectly demonstrated.
The first two bars are at half speed to let you get a feel for it (repeat the bars four times - total of eight bars). The last two bars gives it to you at full speed. Enjoy!
Don't get thrown off by the neck position. David Gates used a capo at the seventh fret, but the chord shapes are identical. I just set the exercises in the open position to make it a lot easier for you.
You’re welcome. ;-)
Fancy Fingerwork
As you can see, by learning how to employ quick little finger movements on top of normal chords, a progression goes from “whatever” to “wow!”
Gates could have left it at plucking the D chord, but he gave it a creative little riff that made the intro more memorable.
Gives these little chord changes a try.
Also, take a look again at other open chords and see where you can use hammer-ons and pull-offs.
These are very simple techniques, but they can really add some nice accents to otherwise boring chord progressions.
Have yourself a great Sunday!
Peace~
Dave
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