Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Discuss the Banjo lesson: How to Play Banjo Hammer-Ons

#5

You know, that is a great question and I’m going to say yes, at least at first, to keep the first finger down as I think it builds strength and independence.

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#6

Trying but these old nubby fingers don’t like hammer ons. Especially 2 frets apart. Slides yes, hammer ons, no. The ole pinky doesn’t hardly work anyhow. But I’ll keep tying.

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#7

Hi Carl, Hammer s and pull off’s are tough exercises to learn from scratch you just got to take it slow and persevere.

Check out this video of Dennis Caplinger, he is a big guy but still manages to push the envelope

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#8

Banjo Ben or Archie - I am a guy of 57 years with little boy fingers. Are there any exercises I can do to stretch and strengthen my fingers when I don’t have my banjo in my hand (say at work)?
Thanks

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#9

Hi @timwessley13 Tim welcome to @BanjoBen 's Forum. No exercises I am aware of. Hammer-ons and pull off’s are quite difficult to master as a beginner. All I can suggest is practice practice and more practice. There are no short cuts I’m afraid.

#10

Welcome Tim!

Don’t worry, that won’t hinder you too terribly bad :wink:

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#11

There are, yep! I wouldn’t do anything drastic to stretch, but the strength is important. A Theraband squeeze ball is helpful as well as these: https://store.banjobenclark.com/products/daddario-varigrip-hand-exerciser

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#12

Great for trumpet players too

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#13

Thanks Banjo Ben. I just ordered one from your General Store. See you at the Camp on May 15th.
Tim

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#14

Hi Ben, what is the purpose of playing the target note at the same time as the hammer on? Why even hammer on if you can hardly hear the same note you will pick as you do in measure 11 & 12? I have no issues doing it, just seems like wasted energy if the target note you pick will drown out the hammer.

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#15

Hey @Deacon_John in my experience that little something extra can make a break or backup that much better. Even if it is just a faint something, although 2-4 ham ons can be tough at first, with practice stretched ham ons can be made stronger and more noticeable. Happy picking :slightly_smiling_face:

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#16

Okay… I tell you, the full step hammer ons are really hard for me… I can not get my fingers to stretch that far… not sure if there is anything I can do to fix that.

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#17

The more you play the more your hands will stretch. Time and practice are the key. I wouldn’t let this stop you from progressing through more lessons though. Just incorporate whole steps into your warm up time or dedicate a little section of time to it for awhile. If you haven’t already check out this lesson.

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#18

Like @Lone_Wolf says, there is a sound you are making and it will become more noticeable to your ear as you progress. Plus, I’m not only teaching you licks/notes, but concepts and skills. You will use this very same movement at other times when the target note is a different note. Trust the process :wink: Good job! Sorry for the delay, have been out of town. If you’re having trouble with the whole step hammer, post a little video of your left hand and let me have a look at it…it could very well be a technique issue.

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#19

Thanks Ben. It’s starting to easier to do, and when we do it with the 16th note, it makes even more sense. I have this screwed up brain where I always want to know the “why”… it’s just my nature.

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#20

I have been focusing on this lesson for a couple of weeks now (not to the exclusion of everything else!) and I have to say, I am so enjoying the challenges it presents - from hitting the hammer ons cleanly to avoiding muting neighbouring strings. I can see my progress and am looking forward to using the hammers in my tunes.
Thanks @BanjoBen.
Happy Easter!

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#21

A week into this torture and I have two questions.

  1. When doing hammer-ons over 2 frets, is it permissible to lift the first finger when hammering the second? I’m not saying I have to, but it is easier.

  2. In practicing eighths and sixteenths, should I be using certain fingers for certain hammer-ons? (If that makes sense)

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#22

Hi @jmills60 John, Not quite sure what your asking here.

Question 1. Are you asking is it normal to lift the first finger off the string before applying the hammer on ? If that is what you’re saying my answer would be NO. You should keep the fretting finger on the string whilst you hammer on. The goal here is to HEAR the note change.

@BanjoBen has a unique way of playing hammer ons using his middle finger to fret the string and his ring finger to hammer on. Most banjo players fret with the pointer finger and hammer with the middle finger which is generally the more natural way to do it which may go some way to answer question 2. The duration of the note has no impact on which fingers you use to hammer with… My guess is Ben would say use whichever feels right for you.

It may help to post a short video and let @BanjoBen and others to see your progress / timing and be able to offer advice on any problems you may be having.

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#23

I’d encourage getting used to hammer-ons with a wide variety of finger combinations. You’ll find a use for them sooner or later. I’d also encourage when LEARNING to do things as Ben shows. For instance, if he does a particular hammer-on from pointer to ring, do that. I have noticed that he makes a conscious effort to work variety into his beginning arrangements. Once you get to where you can do the various fingers, you’ll find some are more useful in particular situations.

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#24

Thanks for all of the advice.

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