Week 3 · 12 min
Slur four notes
By the end, you can combine a hammer-on and a pull-off after a single pluck.
Before this lesson
Lesson steps
1 Two versions
Compare the plucked pair in bar 1 with the slurred pair in bar 2.
3 min · 44 bpm · 1 note per click
Check for · 2 bars at 52 BPM — The slurred pair keeps the rhythm and volume of the plucked pair.
More detail
Keep one click per note. The ring finger moves quickly even at this slow tempo.
2 Check the release
Repeat the pairs in bar 2 at one note per click.
3 min · 44 bpm · 1 note per click
Check for · 2 bars at 52 BPM — String 2 stays silent and fret 5 rings until the next click.
More detail
If the neighbouring string sounds, shorten the releasing motion before trying again.
3 Link the combinations
Play the four combinations in bars 1 and 2 on string 3 in eighth notes.
3 min · 40 bpm · 2 notes per click
Check for · 2 bars at 48 BPM — The little finger keeps an even tone with the others.
More detail
Each four-note group starts with one pluck and lasts two beats. The left hand sounds the remaining three notes.
4 Four notes from one attack
Repeat bar one twice, slurring 5–7–5–7 from a single pluck.
3 min · 40 bpm · 2 notes per click
Check for · 2 bars at 48 BPM — each pass has two pitches across four notes, followed by two beats of rest.
More detail
In bar one the left index holds fret 5. The ring finger produces the hammer-on and pull-off.
You can move on when…
You pass when you sound 5–7–5–7 with one right-hand stroke per group, twice over 2 bars at 48 BPM.
If a movement feels difficult
The second note is weak.
Prepare the finger above the fret and shorten its hammer-on movement.
You rush the second note.
Compare the plucked pair with the slurred pair again, one pair per click.