The hammer-on is similar to the slide on the banjo, but instead of sliding to the next note you hammer it with your finger. The middle finger waits just above the fretboard, and after the first note is picked, the finger hammers out the second note.
Let’s start by using open strings, pick the third string open and hammer the 3rd string - 2nd fret. Move that same hammer-on to the fourth string, pick 4th string open and hammer 2nd fret. Practice this one until the second note is as strong as the first. The H indicates a hammer-on.
Here are two more hammer-ons, but this time there is another note picked at the same time as the hammer. Make sure that the second note is picked at the exact same time as the hammer. Your index finger stays on the second fret while you do the hammer-on with your middle.
Here are two more exercises to practice. I’m sure you will recognize the last one.
Listen to the last two exercises:
There are many more variations of the basic hammer-on, but this will get you started.
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