By
eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
Find the symbol for hammer-on. The "h" (lowercase) identifies a hammer-on technique in most tabs.
Step2
Find the string where the "h" occurs. This is the string you'll be using.
Step3
Check the fret number before the "h." This is the fret you'll be starting on. Put your index finger on this fret and press firmly.
Step4
Pluck or pick the string firmly and let the note sustain.
Step5
Check the fret number directly after the "h" (example: 7h9). This is the fret you'll be hitting (on the same string) with your other finger. You'll usually want to use your ring finger to do the hammer-on. That's what feels best for lots of guitar players. Technically, if it's only a half step, you could use your middle finger, but that can be awkward. Most hammer-ons are either a half step (7h8, 8h9), a whole step, (7h9, 9h11) or a half and a whole (9h12, 12h15). Beyond this, it gets hard to stretch your fingers out for a hammer-on note.
Step6
Hit the higher fret with your ring finger, quickly. You'll hear the tone of the note "skip" up from the first note to the second.