If you play guitar and use guitar tabs to read music you sometimes see a ‘H’ and you might wonder what this ‘H’ means.
A common technique used to create different sounds when playing lead is that of hammerons. This is one in a family of techniques called legato (which is Italian term meaning to play smoothly). In TAB this is indicated by the abbreviation ‘H’ usually above a slur mark (a half circle curve connecting the two notes)
To create a strong, clear sound it is important to use a little bit of force. The first note doesn’t need to be struck too hard, but because the string won’t be vibrating as much you need to create a bit of vibration as you hammer on. If you attack the second note and press hard into the fretboard then the note will sound clear. This can sound really good in the open position. Try playing hammerons all over the fretboard.
You can play hammerons while playing a chord as well. A good example is the C chord. If you raise your second finger and then hammer on when you strum the chord this produces a nice sound.
Guitar tabs are of course a very nice and easy way to read guitar music, but maybe you are learning to read “real” music notes. If so, try Jayde Musica, a great way to practice your music notes reading skills. Jayde Musica is a sort of game, you see notes on your PC screen, and you have to name them. There are different skill levels, so while playing the game, your capability to read music notes improves.
Tags: guitar tabs, hammerons, Jayde Musica