Triplet Hammer-On's

Lesson Goals:

♦ Learn technique for doing a triplet hammer-on
♦ Practice playing triplet hammer-on's
♦ Locate possible triplet hammer-on combinations

 

You probably recall that a hammer-on is the opposite of a pull-off. With a hammer-on you start with a note, pick it once, then "hammer" up to a higher note on the same string.

As you might imagine, a triplet hammer-on involves producing three notes as opposed to a regular hammer-on that produces two notes. The theory is still the same, you pick the note only once, and always resolve on a higher note on the same string.

As with triplet "pull-off's", a triplet hammer-on requires three fingers to execute. Which fingers are used are determined by the hand position on the neck, and where the solo is going after the hammer-on is played. In general, observing the "each finger gets a fret" rule will usually put you in a good position.

Look at the TAB below. All of the following examples will be played in the "A" blues scale with passing notes, but these, of course, could be played in any key or position on the guitar neck.

This is an example of a triplet hammer-on starting on the 5th fret of the 2nd string, and using the 1st, 3rd and 4th fingers.

 

 

 

Look at the next TAB below.

 

In the above example, you would play the triplet hammer-on on the 3rd string using the 1st, 2nd and 3rd fingers.

 

 

 

Look at the next TAB below.

This is an example of a nice little lick that starts with a triplet hammer-on on the 5th string, and ends with two single notes. This triplet hammer-on will be played with the first three fingers.

 

 

 

Look at the next TAB below.

 

This is a good blues lick that starts with a triplet hammer-on on the 3rd string, followed by two single notes, then followed by a single hammer-on, and resolving on a single note. Give it a try!

 

 

 

Look at the next TAB below.

This is a tricky little riff that starts with a triplet hammer-on on the 2nd string, followed by a single note, followed by a triplet pull-off, then ending on two single notes. This should be a good practice lick and one you can incorporate into your lead playing.

 

Spend some time working on the triplet hammer-on's and pull-off's and try throwing a few into your lead licks!