How to Read Pull-Offs On Guitar Tabs

The pull-off technique for guitar is a staple for a lot of lead guitar musicians. It allows guitar players to get two notes without picking the string twice. You do this by pulling your finger off of the string with some downward force, so that it creates a second note. Guitar tabs show pull-off notes frequently. To read them, you have to understand how guitar tablature works as a form of written music.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Find your string. In tabs, the string is literally represented by one of six lines. Look at the six lines from top to bottom and figure out which string the numbers are on. That's the string you'll be playing on.

2. Identify your pull-off note. A pull-off note in guitar tabs is two different fret numbers joined together by a little arc over top of them. The first number will be higher than the second one.

3. Put your index finger on the lower number fret and your ring finger on the higher one. This is called "fretting," it gives you the correct fingering to attempt the note.

4. Pick the string. You'll hear the higher note because your ring finger is on the higher fret.

5. Release your ring finger with tension on the string. You should hear the note change and descend from the higher note to the lower note. That "resolution" from the higher note to the lower note is your successful pull-off technique.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice adding tension to the string while you release your ring finger. It can be difficult to create the descending note without picking the string twice. It also helps to use guitar amp effects like gain and presence to help your sound sustain itself. The pull-off technique is harder on an acoustic guitar than an electric setup.