A week into this torture and I have two questions.
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.
In practicing eighths and sixteenths, should I be using certain fingers for certain hammer-ons? (If that makes sense)
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.
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.
Thanks for all of the advice.
While practicing the hammer-ons in the lesson, I’ve noticed that the tone of the stretched note is very much the same even though it is not near the fret. I’ve deliberately (and very slowly) attempted both options. That is, as close to the fret as I can and actually in the center of the fret.
Both sound the same, clear and distinct.
As a vintage age beginner, I’m not certain if the position of the stretched finger makes any difference or not.
I’m aware that one of the primary goals of the lesson is to experience a variety of ways to play hammer-ons and stretching is a vital, critical component. However, speaking from a strictly physical limitation point of view, there reaches a point where stretching is simply not possible … like it or not. I’m all for the “keep at it and keep trying” version but some of us simply have to face reality. Often, that’s a hard pill to swallow so to speak.
As such, what is the general consensus of playing hammer-ons with whatever physical abilitiy (ies) are currently available more so to enable success and promote the “fun factor” so to speak.
Just sharing a point of view from an 'ol timer, beginner banjo player.