Quick Hammer on - Pull off - Tips - Remarks

[m0ranwad]

Tried fishing around for a Youtube lesson in which someone discussed hammer on pull off technique on bass. I know the strengthening exercises. and I use the technique often, but I'm not so sure about my execution.

Take for instance, Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People. Simple bass line with quick HO/PO throughout. A cake walk for all of you out there

Is it necessary to pull down on the string (to pluck), as opposed to simply releasing the fret?

In hind sight, I should have recorded a few more takes to fix the goofs and timing issues, but you can reference my poor technique here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKEWy8IHHYw

[C2C -2.0]

I'm having somewhat of the same issue with the bass intro to "Three Days" by Jane's Addiction. I'll keep my eyes on this thread...might find out something.

[Clef_de_fa]

HO-PO is in reallity a "tremolo" ... well in the classical world it is.

You should be able to do that and have a sound without plucking once.

[m0ranwad]

Originally Posted by Clef_de_fa

HO-PO is in reallity a "tremolo" ... well in the classical world it is.

You should be able to do that and have a sound without plucking once.

Wow, I'd never considered that. You're saying I shouldn't have to pluck a single note? I'd assume I should still strike the initial note before hammering on and beginning the HO-PO sequence.

[Clef_de_fa]

Of course most of the time way before you do it, you will pluck the first note, but for practice sake you don't need to pluck. If you get a sound without plucking, you do it right.

This "not plucking the string" thing lead to a lot of others tricks, especially in slap bass line. Victor Wooten often slap a note with his thumb but hit 2 others notes with an HO-PO that are on another string.

So ultimately it will lead you to tapping.