Although it is possible to make a good sound picking every note, it is more common to use a variety of left hand techniques to add expression to some of the notes. These techniques are essential in all styles of guitar playing and should definitely be mastered. Be sure to play right on the tips of the fingers when practicing these techniques.
When two notes or more are played in succession and only the first note is picked, the notes played by the left hand only are said to be "slurred". A slur is a way of connecting notes more smoothly than when articulating every note with the right hand. A slur is indicated by a curved line above or below two or more different notes.
The hammer-on is executed by picking a note and then hammering a left hand finger onto the string. The hammer-on is indicated by a curved line and the letter "H".
Here is an exercise to help you develop the use of hammer-ons.
The pull-off is executed by playing a note and then pulling the left hand finger off the string towards the floor. This causes a new note to sound. The pull-off is indicated by a curved line and the symbol "P".
Here is an exercise for developing control of pull-offs.
The following lick (short musical phrase) makes use of both hammer-ons and pull-offs. Licks are very common in lead guitar playing.
The following example consists of several licks joined together to form a solo. Notice the extensive use of hammer-on’s and pull-off’s. This solo is played over a chord progression in the key of A minor.