Pitch Shifting Methods: Hammerons Pulloffs Slides and Bends

There are three different methods used for shifting pitch; Slides, Hammer-ons/Pulloffs and Bends. You will encounter many situations where you must choose one, or more, of these Techniques. In this paper, we will analyze the benefits of each method, and help determine which is best in different scenarios.

The first method that I would like to discuss is the Hammer-on/Pulloff. The Hammer-on is exactly what it sounds like; one note is played and another note is Hammered on, but the string is not plucked more than once. The benefit of using a Hammer-on is that it requires very little, if any, movement in the wrist. The pitch jumps from the first pitch to the second pitch, without playing any passing tones during transition. Very similarly, in a Pulloff, one note is played and Pulled off, and then another note rings in its place. Once again, the string is plucked only one time, and there are no transitional notes. When using both Techniques in combination, Hammer-ons and Pulloffs can be played continuously without plucking the string more than once. Hammer-ons/Pulloffs are limited in range because they are limited by the reach of your stretching fingers.

The second method that I would like to discuss is that of Slides. Slides are a more colorful method of transition between pitches than are Hammer-ons and Pulloffs. A Slide is essentially a transition between two notes, where every fretted pitch in between the beginning-note and the end-note is played during the transition. In other words, if I were to Slide from an A note to a C# note, the A#, B and C notes would be played during the Slide (A to A# to B to C to C#). When played slowly, the nature of the transition of a Slide becomes apparent. As your finger crosses each fret, the pitch jumps one-half step. Essentially, Slides add flavor to note transitions by filling the chasm between the beginning and end-notes, with passing tones.

Finally, the third method of shifting pitch is Bends. Bends are the most interesting method of pitch shifting because they add undefined notes during pitch transition. In other words, if I were to Bend from an A-note to a B-note, I would play every pitch that lies between A and B in a smooth, upward Bend. Compared to a Slide, where the pitch changes in one-half step jumps, Bends shift pitch smoothly, with no jumps. Bends are limited by the width of the fretboard because a string can only Bend so far before it gets pushed over the edge.

To determine which of these methods is best in any given situation, you must analyze the benefits of each, and its feasibility in a particular hand position. For example, in a limited movement situation, Hammer-ons are very useful because they can be accomplished without much movement of the wrist. Slides are useful for transitioning across a wide interval, but require displacement of the wrist. You must also consider whether or not you want to use any transitional pitches. In a lar ge band, excessive use of transitional pitches can muddy up the sound spectrum, whereas in a small band they add flavor to the Music. Each method has its costs and benefits, and I would suggest heavy experimentation for advanced knowledge of each of their uses.

Richard Mould grew up in Seattle, Washington and Norman, Oklahoma. He has played the Guitar for a long time.

Author:: Richard Mould
Keywords:: Guitar, Technique, Slide, Bend, Hammer, Pull, Music, Theory
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