A push-off is similar to a pull-off, but has your finger pushing the string away from your palm. Whether you play a pull-off or a push-off depends on the next string you need to play. For example, if you were going to be playing the 4th string after the 3rd string you would probably use a push-off on the 3rd string.
To play a push-off - pick the string and push your middle finger down onto the string, pushing it away from your palm and then let it snap back. The finger should dig into the string and push it until you let it snap back into place.
The following exercise has a push-off in it and also has a sixteenth note to watch out for. I’ve just tabbed out the first half a measure to get you started.
Listen to the push-off here:
Count this exercise: 1 e + 2 e + 3 e + 4 e +….. Repeat this exercise until you can hear the push-off nice and clearly.
This exercise fits the push-off into a roll.
Count this exercise: 1 e + 2 + 3 4….. Listen to this exercise here:
When you get comfortable with the push-off you can use them instead of, or with pull-offs, so have fun and make up you own banjo licks.
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