Cross-string Hammer-ons

[dhardway]

Greetings,

Does anyone have any tips on executing the cross-string hammer-ons. Basically, I am attempting an open-string hammer-on, on an adjacent string without employing a pluck or thump.

Also I have a Fender Highway One which has a maplewood neck with rosewood fretboard (I am extremely unhappy with the performance of the Standard Vintage Alnico Magnet Jazz Bass Single Coil Pickups).

Will a preamp or upgrade PUPs (Dimarzio UltraBass 149) get me the sound that I am seeking?

[Plantbrain]

Check out a few of M Manring's videos. You can do the octave with the tapping and this might suffice. Using 3-4 finger tap methods also helps a lot. Stu Hamm's got a few ideas for you perhaps as well. Vic Wooten etc.

I'm sure there are dozens of youtube folks that have ideas also.
Whatever works basically.

Some ideas we need to see 1st, then we go "that's cool, and I can learn that some day etc....."

[dhardway]

Thanks Plantbrain, will definitely do!!!

[MEKer]

Here's one method that's easy and fun as heck plus it throws in a lower octave in the middle of runs that sound pretty darn cool.

Easy way to practice it is start by holding down the first A on the D string with your 3rd finger. play the note 1-2-3-4 AND 1-2-3-4
(The AND is the G note with your 1st finger. Develop a groove on
just those notes, get it going. Stress the "1")
1-2-3-4
AND 1-2-3-4
AND 1-2-3-4 right?
Then G-A-G and then still holding the G note down, flip your 3rd finger up to hammer on the E, pull it down slightly and release for the open A (no pick or finger strike of the E and A string) and continue
1-2-3-4
AND 1-2-3-4
AND 1-2-3-4

Do it slowly, build up speed at your own pace. Apply the technique in different tempos.

Hope I made it clear to you and that it helps.

[dhardway]

Thanks...will do!