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“So much more” daily challenge
Line 2: I cant get the hammer on on the High E to make any sound at all. Any suggestions anyone? Tony doesn’t mention that it might be difficult so I feel like I am missing something. Any suggestions appreciated.
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5 Replies
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Wish I could help! Although I’m Canadian, I can’t get this down either (yet!). The hammer on the 5th fret sounds a little but on the second fret (D chord) my middle finger is practically mute. I might get a little squeak, but it won’t ring for me!
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You have it right @langerking : just a matter of when. Keep after it and it will improve.
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Suggestion: First try to hammer onto the second fret of the high string, but don’t fret the rest of the D chord shape. Do this without even strumming. Notice what happens when you hammer on top of the fret or too far away from the fret. Find the “sweet spot.”
Next, still using only the high e string, hammer onto it and then pull off (pulling down towards the edge of the fret board until the string releases, sort of “flicking” it), then hammer back onto the string and repeat. Loop this, trying to get maximum volume.
Next, and still without fretting the G and B strings, strum the four stings D through high e and hammer onto the second fret of the high e. Only when you are able to make that e string ring out without fretting the other strings will you have a chance to make it ring when fretting the rest of the D chord.
When you are able to make that e string is ring clearly, fret the G and B strings with the index and ring fingers, respectively. Pay very careful attention to arch your ring finger so that it is not muting the e string. Strum only the e string and hammer onto it. If you can’t make it ring as well as you did when you were not fretting the other strings, it’s time to figure out why that’s happening. Is it because your ring finger is muting the e string? If so, is it because your other fingers move when you’re trying to hammer?
Is it because your middle finger can no longer access the “sweet spot?” Maybe you need to adjust your other fingers. I find that it is a little easier to hit the “sweet spot” (very close to the fret, but not directly on top of it) if my other two fingers are a little bit further away from their frets.
Sometimes breaking things down into building blocks will help you troubleshoot things. Check in with your results. You can do this!
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I am going to work on that!! Thank you Dr. Dave!!
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It seems like it should be so easy. I am just practicing single string hammer-on while holding the D chord. It’s getting better.
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