Guitar Legato Exercises
Pick only the first note on each string and play the rest with hammer-ons and pull-offs. Start with two-note trills, then three-note patterns and scale runs. Keep all notes at equal volume and in time with a metronome, and mute the strings you're not playing.
Hammer-on and pull-off trills
Legato descending pentatonic
Pick only the first note on each string; the others are hammer-ons (up) or pull-offs (down). Keep the volume of every note even.
Goal
Build fretting-hand strength and accuracy for smooth, flowing lines where the notes connect without picking each one.
How to practise
- Hammer-on: bring the finger down firmly and fast right behind the fret.
- Pull-off: pull the finger slightly sideways (downwards, toward the floor) to pluck the string, not just lift it.
- Start with trills between two fingers: 30 seconds per finger pair.
- Metronome at 60 BPM, eighth notes. Increase by 5 BPM after clean repetitions.
- Mute idle strings with the picking-hand palm and the underside of your fretting fingers.
Self-check
The hammered and pulled notes should be as loud as the picked note. If they fade, slow down and focus on strength and precise finger placement.
Next steps
Combine with the spider exercise for independence and use legato in pentatonic sequences. Track your tempos with the metronome.