How to Do Hammer-On Techniques for the Banjo

The hammer-on is a banjo technique in which you bring your finger down onto a string after you pluck it, which gives an echo effect to the hammer-on note. You can perform a hammer-on on open strings or fretted notes, depending upon the effect you want to achieve. Using a fretted note is the classic hammer-on heard in "The Foggy Mountain Breakdown."

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Put your first finger on the second fret of the second, or D, string of the banjo.
2. Prepare the second finger of your left hand to hammer on the third fret of the second string as you pluck.
3. Pluck the second string with the first finger of your right hand.
4. Bring the tip of your second finger down onto the string in a straight, even fashion after you pluck the string. This is the hammer-on.
5. Check for the echo effect. If you don't hear it at first, keep practicing until you can pick it up. The hammered note should be as clear as the plucked note, even though it has the quality of an echo.
6. Practice hammer-ons on open strings or other fretted notes once you master the technique. When you're comfortable playing them in a practice session, start incorporating them into songs.
7. Listen for hammer-ons in banjo music you admire. Once you're used to hearing them in your own practice, you'll be able to hear the technique in others' music as well. Use their music as inspiration for incorporating the hammer-on technique into your playing.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add a hammer-on wherever you think it sounds good in a song. This technique is a matter of personal preference and subjective taste.